The Okanagan Basin Water Board is now accepting applications to its 2012 water conservation and quality improvement grant program.
The program has $300,000 available for projects that conserve water or improve its quality. Eligible recipients include non-profit community groups, local governments (regional districts or municipalities), and irrigation or improvement districts. Successful applicants can receive up to $30,000 for their project.
“Everyone who lives in the Okanagan, whether you live in Armstrong or in Osoyoos, is connected to each other by water,” said grants administrator Genevieve Dunbar.
“We also live in a dry climate and have less freshwater available per person in the Okanagan, yet, homeowners use more than twice the Canadian average – this affects quantity.”
Another element of this program is its focus on collaboration. Several of these grants have resulted in ongoing partnerships.
“Since the grant program began, we’ve seen networks of expertise form around valley-wide projects,” said Dunbar.
This year’s application deadline is 4 p.m. Feb. 24. Information on the application process, including the need for a board or council resolution of support, as well as the application, can be found at www.obwb.ca/wcqi