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Proactive disclosure Print version | Temperature rising: Climate change in southwestern British Columbia Low-water blues Changing river flow Stream flow in the southern Interior has changed over the last 30 years. Spring runoff starts earlier and autumn rains come later, extending the period of low summer flow. More precipitation falls as rain than as snow in autumn, therefore snowpacks are smaller. Smaller snowpacks result in lower stream flow in summer. These trends will continue if climate continues to warm.
Longer, warmer summers and lower, summer stream flows will affect hydroelectric power generation. In the future, some reservoirs may not fill to their present levels, and the amount of electricity generated from them will be less than today.
The water balance: running a deficit Summers are dry and hot in southern Interior valleys such as the Okanagan. Climate warming will affect the water balance in these valleys. Less precipitation may fall as snow, and less water would be stored in the mountains over the winter. Evaporation and plant transpiration will increase during the longer, warmer summer. Lake levels may fall, while the demand for irrigation and municipal water will increase. Typical water use inside a home
Did you know? Did you know? As demand for water increases, what can be done to conserve and share this precious resource? References Leith, R.M.M. and Wakefield, P.H., 1998: Evidence of climate change effects on the hydrology of streams in south-central B. C.; Canadian Water Resources Journal, v. 23, n. 3, p. 219-230.
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