Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is now accepting applications to its 2018 Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grant Program.
This is the 13th year for the program, providing $300,000 to water projects in the Okanagan. The grants are distributed according to the percentage of tax each region pays into the program. The allocation this year will provide $54,119 for projects in the North Okanagan, $185,442 in the Central Okanagan, and $60,439 in the southern part of the Okanagan Basin.
For the past few years, the board has chosen an annual theme to encourage projects that address current issues in the valley. This year, the board is seeking projects that address flood and/or drought preparedness, mapping, source water protection and water quality assessments.
“As most Okanagan residents already know, this valley experienced record flooding in the spring followed by drought in summer and fall,” said James Littley, OBWB’s Operations and Grants Manager. “What they may not know is how those events affect water quality and water availability, and how tools like maps and plans can help mitigate the damage from these types of events in the future.”