Water quality society tests out new monitoring equipment
The Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society recently tested its new equipment which it was able to purchase after receiving grant funds from the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Tag: okanagan basin water board
Invasive species work honoured in annual awards
Two individuals – a Xwísten Elder who has advocated for invasive species management for more than 40 years and an Okanagan leader who has advanced invasive mussel prevention efforts – are being recognized for their contributions towards invasive species issues with the 2026 “Together in Action Awards”.
Okanagan valley looking set for drought this summer
“April showers bring May flowers,” the proverb goes, but with mountain snowpack and valley precipitation both far below normal levels the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is cautioning that this summer is looking to be one of drought conditions for the valley.
Oliver works towards new drought stage plan
The Town of Oliver is looking to chart a new and possibly unique course when it comes to determining drought conditions by adding additional early warning indicators to the current groundwater levels as a formal drought stage trigger.
Water board invests in UBCO’s high-tech dog’s nose
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) knows a good bet when it smells one, committing $200,000 towards funding a UBC Okanagan (UBCO)-led pioneering research that aims to replicate dog’s ability to smell the DNA of invasive species.
OBWB holds annual meeting, challenges continue to mount
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) held its Annual Meeting recently in Kelowna, bringing together local government leaders, First Nations, and community partners to reflect on the complex challenges and achievements of the past year.
Osoyoos new ‘Make Water Work’ community champion
The Town of Osoyoos was named the “Make Water Work 2025 Champion Community,” recognizing residents for taking the most per-capita pledges in the outdoor water conservation campaign organized by the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Pocket Guide
Oliver and Osoyoos battle it out on water pledges
Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Directors were recently briefed during their monthly meeting on the successful launch of the 2025 Make Water Work, Plant FireSmart campaign that has Oliver and Osoyoos competing neck-to-neck in the Take the Make Water Work Pledge – a long-standing contest for the most pledges per capita.
RDOS needs clarity on 1.0 ha septic policy
Clarification is needed from the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) on grant requirements concerning private sewer systems and accessory dwellings, or it could put $130,000 in grants at risk.
New threat to BC lakes with invasive mussel discovery
The fight to keep the Okanagan invasive mussel-free continues with the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) recently briefed on a new threat with the discovery of an invasive mussel new to North America, the golden mussel.
Water source protection gets new focus
Following their recent attendance at the 2024 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention Okanagan Basin Water Board Directors noted that communities across the province are facing increasing infrastructure costs for water filtration and treatment while having little authority to protect source waters.
Despite tell-tail signs of fall Level 2 drought status remains
The Okanagan will remain at a Level 2 drought rating even as the annual valley-wide outdoor water conservation campaign – “Make Water Work” – winds down for the year as home and farm irrigation is shut down and winterized.
Consistent shift to warmer temperatures since 2000: OBWB
Temperature indicators for the Okanagan show a consistent shift to warmer average temperatures and more than double the number of extreme heat events than “normal” according to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Okanagan water board reflects on extreme weather, resiliency
One of the biggest challenges facing the Okanagan going forward is the issue of how communities and economic sectors will share the scarce resource of water during drought conditions, according to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Pocket Guide
Is Vaseux Lake safe for swimming?
The Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association (VLSA) is conducting water testing on the lake over the next two years to ensure water quality meets Provincial standards for swimming.
Okanagan declared at Drought Level 3
As conditions in the Okanagan continue to change rapidly the Province has moved the Okanagan region up to Drought Level 3 or “Severely Dry”.
Okanagan returns to Drought Level 2 on back of heatwave
The Okanagan has returned to Drought Level 2 as the ongoing heatwave has erased gains made in above average rainfall in May and June, with mounting concern over water for firefighting and fish survival.
Water board’s annual campaign aligns with FireSmart
Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has warned that despite cooler temperatures and recent rainfall, the Okanagan’s water supply is still experiencing the effects of last year’s extreme drought and low snowpack.
Whirling disease next front in war on invasive species
The war on aquatic invasive species was given a boost recently with British Columbia’s chief veterinarian issuing an order making it illegal to transport watercraft in the province with the drain plug still in place.
Okanagan region moved to Level 2 drought rating
The Okanagan region has been moved to a Level 2 “Very Dry” drought rating as a result of the lingering effects from the 2023 drought, low winter snowpack, low precipitation, and warmer than normal temperatures causing an early freshet.
Tepid reception by water board to Feds’ mussel response
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has vaguely welcomed the federal government’s funding announcement, arguing it offers virtually nothing for prevention efforts to keep Zebra and Quagga mussels out of BC.
Water in Oliver flowing as usual but will cost more
Water is a hot topic in the South Okanagan and for Oliver there is a calm wave before the town’s budget discussions when it comes to decisions around their water systems.
Okanagan water board calls out feds on invasive mussel funding
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has decried the potential cutting of funding by the federal government which supports invasive mussel inspections in BC calling it “unacceptable and unjustifiable”.