In a joint statement dated July 27, the elected leaders of Upper Nicola Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Coldwater Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band and Shackan Indian Band warned that conditions have moved beyond what ordinary drought-response measures may be able to address. “The Nicola Watershed is facing a water security crisis,” the chiefs said. The statement points to historically low streamflows and lake levels, drying creeks, high temperatures, water-quality concerns and growing risks to fish and fish habitat. If conditions continue to worsen, water users could be asked to voluntarily reduce their use by as much as 100 per cent. Their work with the Province of British Columbia is coordinated through the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership, or NWGP.