Lake and River Health Update

Dear residents, visitors and business owners,

Thank you to everyone – residents, visitors and businesses – for doing your part to conserve water and reduce wastewater during this critical time. Every drop truly makes a difference in protecting the Cowichan River.

The Current Situation
The Cowichan River remains under pressure as hot, dry weather continues. Although late August rain provided some short-term relief, lake levels are once again declining and river flows are being kept lower than usual to stretch the lake’s limited supply. The need for emergency pumps – which move water from the lake into the river when levels get too low to flow naturally – has now been delayed until early October. Still, equipment is already being prepared in case it is needed.

Water quality remains a persistent challenge. River temperatures are staying high at around 24 °C, which is stressful for fish. In some areas, the water is also exhibiting signs of poor quality, making conditions even more challenging for fish and other aquatic life. While algae growth continues to affect the system, mid-river conditions are showing some improvement.

What the Town is Doing to Help

• The Town continues to release treated effluent only at night, when river temperatures are cooler
• Nutrient levels remain within permit guidelines
• No fish mortality has been observed in recent testing
• Staff are monitoring conditions daily
• The Town is working closely with the Cowichan Watershed Board, Cowichan Tribes, and provincial and federal partners to respond as conditions evolved.

How Can You Help? Let’s Make Every Drop Count, Together!

While not the ideal situation, the Town is asking everyone to continue to help reduce wastewater volume in the following ways. Every litre of water that goes down the drain affects our ability to protect the Cowichan River, so we are asking everyone to do their part.