OKANAGAN SUSTAINABLE WATER STRATEGY
Planning ahead for climate change: trials and innovations in the Okanagan
Anna Warwick Sears, PhD
Okanagan watershed
Okanagan water issues • Thirsty valley expecting climate & population change
• • • • •
Myth of abundance Local parochialism Shrinking government Tight funding Lack of information, coordination, planning
What does climate change mean for us?
Where do we begin?
Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) leadership for a dry landscape • Founded 1970 • Inter-jurisdictional • Multi-level collaboration – Stewardship Council
Water governance and management without “governing” or “managing”
A strong foundation • • • • • •
Local government/stakeholder participation Stable local funding Financial flexibility Broad mandate Action-oriented Nexus of information and resources
The nexus Province of BC Local communities
First Nations
OBWB Universities and schools
Water stakeholders
Public
Government of Canada
Getting the science and data • Water supply & demand • Groundwater • Drought plan support • EDCs • Water use reporting
• Water conservation & quality improvement grants
Water Supply & Demand project
www.obwb.ca/wsd
Water supply & demand results
Less snow, more rain
Seasonal Flow Changes – Mission Creek Scenario
June – Sept
Average
Annual
% change Average
% change
Baseline:
1996-2006
73,898
2011-2040, climate change only
58,662
-21%
151,887 5%
2041-2070, climate change only
37,792
-49%
149,581 4%
144,351
Seasonal water demand
Emerging priorities from the study • • • •
IJC agreement for Osoyoos Lake Co-planning with First Nations Basin-wide drought response Ag & Environment Water Reserves • Local hydrometric monitoring • Lake evaporation • Groundwater regulation
Many challenges, but “all the elements are in place for success” • Clear, tangible issues • Flexible, funded, water governance • Engaged stakeholders • Senior government partners • Local university collaboration • Supportive community
A new narrative: “One Valley, One Water” • Focus on joint outcomes – science, policy, and collaboration • Leveraged granting • Research partnerships • Squeeze data for maximum value • Manage & share information • Communication & education to build support
Biggest deficits are social, not scientific • “We know how to do it, but we don’t know how to get ‘er done” – BC govt. manager
Thank You
www.obwb.ca
Anna Warwick Sears, PhD
Okanagan watershed
Okanagan water issues • Thirsty valley expecting climate & population change
• • • • •
Myth of abundance Local parochialism Shrinking government Tight funding Lack of information, coordination, planning
What does climate change mean for us?
Where do we begin?
Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) leadership for a dry landscape • Founded 1970 • Inter-jurisdictional • Multi-level collaboration – Stewardship Council
Water governance and management without “governing” or “managing”
A strong foundation • • • • • •
Local government/stakeholder participation Stable local funding Financial flexibility Broad mandate Action-oriented Nexus of information and resources
The nexus Province of BC Local communities
First Nations
OBWB Universities and schools
Water stakeholders
Public
Government of Canada
Getting the science and data • Water supply & demand • Groundwater • Drought plan support • EDCs • Water use reporting
• Water conservation & quality improvement grants
Water Supply & Demand project
www.obwb.ca/wsd
Water supply & demand results
Less snow, more rain
Seasonal Flow Changes – Mission Creek Scenario
June – Sept
Average
Annual
% change Average
% change
Baseline:
1996-2006
73,898
2011-2040, climate change only
58,662
-21%
151,887 5%
2041-2070, climate change only
37,792
-49%
149,581 4%
144,351
Seasonal water demand
Emerging priorities from the study • • • •
IJC agreement for Osoyoos Lake Co-planning with First Nations Basin-wide drought response Ag & Environment Water Reserves • Local hydrometric monitoring • Lake evaporation • Groundwater regulation
Many challenges, but “all the elements are in place for success” • Clear, tangible issues • Flexible, funded, water governance • Engaged stakeholders • Senior government partners • Local university collaboration • Supportive community
A new narrative: “One Valley, One Water” • Focus on joint outcomes – science, policy, and collaboration • Leveraged granting • Research partnerships • Squeeze data for maximum value • Manage & share information • Communication & education to build support
Biggest deficits are social, not scientific • “We know how to do it, but we don’t know how to get ‘er done” – BC govt. manager
Thank You
www.obwb.ca
