Vernon, BC – The Okanagan Basin Water Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Nelson R. Jatel as its new Water Stewardship Director.
Nelson holds a degree in Freshwater Science and was previously the Executive Director of the Okanagan Partnership. During his tenure, the Partnership explored valley-wide sustainability issues, recommending a coordinated water management strategy that led to the formation of the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council. In his spare time, Nelson and his wife Monika manage their family vineyard in Naramata.
“Clean and healthy water is necessary for our culture, our quality of life, and our future” says Mr. Jatel. “By managing water in a spirit of cooperation, we can create a lasting legacy of sustainable water resources for future generations.”
A joint function of all 3 regional districts in the Okanagan Basin, the Water Board works together with all levels of government, First Nations, Interior Health, universities, water suppliers, community partners, farmers, and industry leaders to find collaborative solutions on a basin-wide scale for coordinated water management.
“There is no better time to promote coordinated water management and conservation”, explains Mr. Jatel. “There is a real appetite for a common approach up and down the valley.”
The primary work of the Okanagan Basin Water Board is to deliver programs that can only be properly undertaken at a basin-scale, including Eurasian Watermilfoil Control, grants for wastewater treatment, water conservation and water quality improvement, as well as the Water Board’s new initiative supporting coordinated water management planning. The Water Board is also leading a 2-year study of the Okanagan’s current and future water supply.
Mr. Jatel will work with the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council, a technical advisory group to the Board, to develop practical solutions that reflect the best available science, innovative policy and consensus approaches.
“On behalf of the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council, I am delighted to welcome Nelson as our new Water Stewardship Director,” said Tom Siddon, Council Chair. “His experience with water science and policy in the Okanagan will serve us well.”
Please contact Nelson Jatel directly at (250) 550-3758 or by e-mail nelson.jatel@obwb.ca
