Delegates to the Okanagan Basin Water Board's annual general meeting in Kelowna Friday hammered home the message that all our water is connected.
The theme was ‘One valley. One water’ says board chair Sue McKortoff.
“The water of our valley, from the upper reservoirs, to the streams and lakes that flow through our valley bottom, and the groundwater that goes unseen, is all connected, from Armstrong to Osoyoos. At the same time, we live – and a growing number of people are joining us here – in Canada’s most water-stressed region,” says McKortoff.
“We have experienced varying degrees of drought and flood. And water, being the source of all life, requires everyone, residents and even visitors, the business community, government and utilities, to be good stewards, helping preserve and protect it.”
Executive director Anna Warwick Sears adds progress has been made on drought management flood planning, determining environmental flow needs for fish and the environment on significant streams, invasive mussel prevention, and more.
In reviewing the past year, Sears noted a common theme – collaboration to ensure the region’s resilience.
“No one knows what the future will bring, but we are working on solutions to help us meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Sears.
At the AGM, the District of Peachland was awarded the “Make Water Work Community Champions” title, for collecting the most water conservation pledges per capita.
The Okanagan Valley is still in Level 2 drought, with some South Okanagan creeks facing low stream flows. People are asked to conserve, ensuring enough water for late-summer/fall crops and returning salmon.