okanagan waterwise: water centric planning in the okanagan - building sustainable communities

Building Sustainable Communities 2010

Founded in 1970• Droughts• Pollution• Population boom

Water management  mandate

Are we running out of water?

Are there too many people in the valley?

Should we prohibit all golf courses?

Where should we have development?

Local & Regional water planningWater allocation decisions Drought management

Assess water supply & demand Identify stakeholder needs Target problems & priorities

First ‐

Then ‐

Water supply & demandEndocrine disruptersWater use reportingGroundwater monitoringDrought planningWater pricing

Less snow, more rain

summer low‐flows

Competition for water

Healthy waterways?• Protect birds & fish, keep water clean, reduce erosion 

Local agriculture?• Health, food security, economic stability

Green space?• Air quality, views, 

Golf courses?• Economic driver, keeps greenspace open, exercise

Green lawns and gardens?• Popular hobby, food security, healthy recreation

Minimize conflicts?

Supply realityShortages happen every summerSome years are dry everywhereSome areas higher risk for chronic shortagesHillside development on groundwater a high riskDemand realityWe use more water than anyone else78% of domestic water goes on lawnsNot enough water to support sprawl

Unregulated by province

Overdraft creates conflict between neighbours

Local government has power to regulate development

Tool for planners Groundwater science handbook 

Model bylaws: e.g.,• OCP policies• Geothermal• Pumping rates

www.obwb.cawww.okwaterwise.ca