okanagan waterwise: water centric planning in the okanagan - building sustainable communities
DESCRIPTION
Okanagan Waterwise: Water Centric Planning in the Okanagan - Building Sustainable CommunitiesTRANSCRIPT
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