Protect the Cowichan River – Every Drop Counts

The Cowichan River — a vital ecosystem for salmon, recreation, and cultural heritage — is facing critical conditions.

Extreme drought, declining lake levels, and aging infrastructure are creating unprecedented challenges. In 2023, the river suffered a catastrophic fish die-off of an estimated 75,000–80,000 juvenile salmon. This year, conditions are worsening. River temperatures are approaching 25 °C — a threshold that puts fish survival at extreme risk.

To protect the river and the community, the Town of Lake Cowichan is taking urgent measures, including restricting treated effluent releases to nighttime hours when river temperatures are lower. Staff continue to monitor the situation daily and are preparing for emergency responses if conditions deteriorate further.

What This Means for You:

• Every litre of water used in homes, businesses, and recreation affects the river’s ability to recover.
• Reducing wastewater volume is critical to preventing further harm.
• Everyone — residents, visitors, businesses, and governments — must work together to protect this essential resource.