OBWB Applauds The End of Bill M 216, Professional Reliance Act
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is pleased to see that BILL M 216 – 2025: the Professional Reliance Act will be … Read more
Media Releases
Local Rotarians Launch Regional Fundraising Campaign to Protect Okanagan Lakes from Invasive Mussels
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – Rotarians across the Thompson/Okanagan region are stepping up in a major way to help safeguard the future of the B.C. Interior’s lakes … Read more
When the Water Turns Too Clear: Free World Water Day Screening Shows What Invasive Mussels Would Mean for the Okanagan
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – In recognition of World Water Day, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at … Read more
Scientific Investment, Advocacy and Collaboration
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The year 2025 for the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) was a pivotal period marked by leadership transition, an intensified response to … Read more
OBWB Sounds Alarm: Private Member’s Bill Poses Threat to Watersheds,Drinking Water, and Local Governments
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is joining local governments and the Union of BC Municipalities in sounding the alarm over BILL M 216 … Read more
OBWB Launches Annual $350K Grant Program, Prioritizing Innovation in Water Security
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has opened its intake for the 2026 Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grant program, … Read more
Okanagan Water Board Invests in ‘Artificial Dog’s Nose’: UBCO eDNA Tool Promises Revolution in Invasive Mussel Detection
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has committed $200,000 towards funding a UBC Okanagan (UBCO)-led pioneering research project that promises … Read more
OBWB Annual Report Highlights Progress and Future of Okanagan Water
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) held its Annual Meeting today in Kelowna, with presentations and discussions centered around this year’s theme … Read more
New Tool Helps Protect Okanagan Streams and Fish with Real-Time Science-Driven Insights!
Syilx Territory, Penticton, B.C. – As the Okanagan region faces increasing environmental pressures and the critical need to balance human water use with ecosystem health, the … Read more
Okanagan Resilience Starts in Your Yard: Discover FireSmart™ and Waterwise Landscaping
Armstrong, B.C. – Syilx Territory – A new campaign was launched today on the cusp of wildfire season, titled “Make Water Work, Plant FireSmart™.” Held … Read more
Province Boosts Aquatic Protection: Invasive Mussel Focus in Proposed Wildlife Act Changes
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) acknowledges a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to protect B.C.’s waterways from … Read more
19 Years Strong: OBWB Invests $350,000 to Protect Okanagan’s Precious Water
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 … Read more
Incoming Executive Director and COO take Oath of Office for OBWB
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of Melissa Tesche as the … Read more
Melissa Tesche Named New OBWB Executive Director
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) proudly welcomes Melissa Tesche as its new Executive Director. Tesche, already well-known to the organization, … Read more
OBWB reignites decades-long fight against chemicals in Okanagan Lakes
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is renewing its long-standing opposition to aquatic herbicides and pesticides in Okanagan Lakes. … Read more
Okanagan Basin Water Board Appoints James Littley as Chief Operating Officer
Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is pleased to announce the appointment of James Littley as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO). … Read more
Okanagan Water Board annual grant intake opens with focus on source water protection
Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is now accepting applications to its 2025 Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) grant program. With … Read more
Okanagan water conservation campaign delivers wins, despite continued drought
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory – The Okanagan’s annual valley-wide outdoor water conservation campaign – “Make Water Work” – is coming to an end for … Read more
Okanagan Water Board annual meeting reflects on valley’s extreme weather & building resiliency
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) held its Annual Meeting today at Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna, … Read more
Okanagan Water Board launches tool to track local climate changes
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory – The Okanagan Basin Water Board has developed a new tool to help track climate change in the valley. The new “Okanagan … Read more
Okanagan Water Board invites public to launch of new amphibious milfoil harvester
Vernon, B.C. – Syilx Territory – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is hosting a public launch event and naming contest for their new amphibious … Read more
Okanagan mayors & fire chiefs gather to encourage water conservation
Lake Country, B.C. – Syilx Territory – Despite cooler temperatures and recent rainfall, the Okanagan’s water supply is still experiencing the effects of last year’s … Read more
As Okanagan prepares for second year of drought, Water Board awards $350K to water protection projects
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has awarded $350,000 to 14 projects through its annual Water Conservation and Quality Improvement … Read more
Okanagan Water Board delivers new guide to protect infrastructure from invasive mussels
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory – Organizations in the Pacific Northwest with water-related infrastructure can expect a new tool to be delivered this week to help … Read more
Okanagan hosts international gathering to build a sustainable future with siwłkw (WATER) FOR ALL
Kelowna, B.C. – Syilx Territory As B.C. faces another potential drought this summer and difficult decisions on who gets what water, the Okanagan Basin Water … Read more
