Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Okanagan WaterWise program has wrapped up for 2016.
The program’s purpose is to tackle the largest discretionary use of water in the Okanagan – 24 per cent – on outdoor residential landscaping. The program provides tips and tools to local residents to make water work best in their yards.
“We were lucky this year. With the early, hot spring, and the early snowmelt, we were concerned about our valley’s water supplies and the potential for a repeat of last year’s serious drought,” said Corinne Jackson, OBWB communications director.
“Unlike last summer though, we got some rain, and we had cooler temperatures, ensuring a healthier water supply for fish and crop irrigation, preventing the problems we saw the previous year.”
However, Jackson says droughts are a reality in the Okanagan.
“Encouraging wise water use by residents, and smart water planning by local and senior governments will help ensure we’re prepared,” she said.
As part of the WaterWise campaign, residents could enter a draw for a $6,000 yard upgrade. The winner was Rob Abbott and Felicia Taylor of Osoyoos.
For more information, go to www.okwaterwise.ca