The province is expanding the Level 4 drought advisory beyond Vancouver Island.
The rest of the South Coast and Lower Fraser regions are now included.
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson says conditions are extremely dry due to the lack of rain and low snowpack.
He says all water users are being urged to cut back, and conserve as much water as possible. Many jurisdictions in the Cowichan Valley have already enacted Stage 3, or tougher, watering restrictions.
Fisheries biologists are closely monitoring key angling streams in BC, and more may be closed to fishing if conditions worsen. Most on the South Island, including the Cowichan River are already closed.
Thomson says warm water temperatures can result in higher fish mortality rates, even when it comes to catch and release.
