Overview

• The orders target users in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek watersheds, stopping irrigation of forage crops and certain industrial uses.
• A separate directive covers 19 licensees in the Salmon River watershed who must halt water use for lawns, fairways and garden industrial purposes.
• The ministry says the action follows voluntary conservation efforts and reflects a last‑resort decision guided by science, Indigenous and local knowledge and economic analysis.
• Impacted users are being notified with details, and affected farmers can apply for assistance.
• The announcement came during a provincial update that reported roughly 145 active wildfires, about 45 out of control, with approximately 550 people under evacuation orders and 650 on alert.