Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – Fueling a sustainable water future, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is driving change with $350,000 of Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grant funding awarded to 15 critical projects across the valley. This injection of funds will directly support regional districts, local governments, First Nations, and non-profits as they tackle critical water conservation and quality challenges head-on.
Notably, this year’s awarded projects are valued at more than $6.4 million, amplifying water conservation and quality efforts across the region.
This year’s 19th-annual WCQI program saw applications totaling $554,654 and the board awarded all $350,000 available. The OBWB’s Board of Directors selected the 15 projects based on rigorous criteria, highlighting those with the greatest potential to enhance water conservation and quality across the region.
“The quality of proposals this year was outstanding. It was great to see so many proposals that directly relate to this year’s theme of Source Water Protection, as well as restoration and groundwater protection projects that fit within the theme,” says Carolina Restrepo, OBWB’s Office and Grants Manager. “We eagerly anticipate the results of these projects as we approach the WCQI’s 20th anniversary.”
A spotlight on several of the funded projects:
- Mission Creek Restoration Initiative’s MCRI Restoration and Effectiveness Monitoring project: Funding will support the continuation of MCRI’s vital restoration and monitoring work, focusing on floodplain expansion in Reach 4 to improve habitat, manage floodwaters, and enhance water quality. This project will also include the development of design plans for future restoration projects in the lower 12 km of Mission Creek.
- District of Summerland’s Source Water Investigation at the Trout Creek Perpetual Slide project: This grant will enable a crucial source water investigation at the Trout Creek Perpetual Slide. The project aims to identify groundwater sources contributing to the slide, which has been impacting water quality and aquatic habitats in Trout Creek and Okanagan Lake.
- Okanagan Nation Alliance’s Assessing Flow Paths, and Water Sources of Summer Low Flows in McDougall Creek Following 2023 Wildfire project: Funding will support a study assessing flow paths and water sources of summer low flows in McDougall Creek following the 2023 wildfire. This research will provide valuable insights for better water management in the face of increasing wildfire risks and climate change.
- Penticton Indian Band’s nluxwluxwIcwix (lower Trout Creek) Restoration project: The project will receive funding to restore two kilometres of the creek’s main channel and floodplain. This initiative aims to reduce sediment entering the creek and Okanagan Lake, and restore diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
- BC Wildlife Federation’s Water, Water, Everywhere: Twin Lakes Wetland Restoration project: This project will restore two hectares of wetland near Twin Lakes, enhancing water retention, reducing erosion, and supporting local hydrology in the Okanagan-Similkameen region.
- Okanagan Indian Band’s Equesis Creek – Groundwater Connectivity Assessment for Source Water Protection Project: This project will study how Equesis Creek connects with groundwater to support sustainable water planning. Evidence shows the creek’s flow varies in ways that suggest a complex surface–groundwater relationship.
These are just a few examples of the important work being supported by the WCQI program this year. By investing in projects that address critical water challenges, the OBWB is helping to ensure a healthy and resilient Okanagan Valley. For more information on the WCQI Grant Program and the funded projects, please visit www.obwb.ca.