US EditionTown Cuts Wastewater Effluent Into Cowichan River as Drought Conditions Worsen
COWICHAN VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, JUL 14 – The Town of Lake Cowichan reduced treated wastewater discharge by 50% and shifted timing to overnight to limit algae growth amid worsening drought and fishery risks.
- Earlier this month, Town of Lake Cowichan cut its treated wastewater effluent inputs by half and shifted releases overnight, to curb algae growth.
- Amid severe drought, latest data show river conditions mirror 2023’s heat and chemistry swings, and authorities warn that without rain or cooler temperatures in the near future efforts may not prevent another major fish kill.
- In 2023, over 84,000 fish died from low flows and warming, monitoring occurs continuously at six sites by a system the Cowichan Watershed Board calls the best, and research is underway to identify `cold water refugia` areas.
- Following early shutdown, officials urged residents to report fish in distress and pollution to DFO’s 24/7 hotline and BC’s RAPP line.
- Amid ongoing planning, stakeholders collaborate on data-driven responses as the CVRD supports raising the Cowichan Lake weir to bolster climate resilience.
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