The Salmon River was one of the watersheds being closely monitored as risks to aquatic ecosystems and fish populations increased. The ministry warned temporary protection orders — last-resort regulatory measures to curtail water use — could be issued if voluntary conservation actions are insufficient. Trudy and Warren Schweb, ranchers at Schweb Family Cattle in the Silver Creek area, rely on water from the Salmon River to irrigate their feedcrops. “We're seeing all-time low flows this year, right now in the Salmon River,” he said. Hwang said these problems are not unique to the Salmon River, and will likely become an issue in other places in the province.