Okanagan Basin
There are many compelling reasons to study water supply and demand in the Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common pointThe Okanagan watershedLand area from which water drains towards a common point, or basinLand area from which water drains towards a common point, is a narrow strip that spans from Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada to the US border and includes five main lakes – Okanagan, Kalamalka-Wood, Skaha, Vaseux and Osoyoos – and surrounding mountains.
The Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common point includes all the land that feeds water to our big lakes, and is almost 200 km in length and 8,000 km2 in area. Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Osoyoos all lie within the Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common point.:
- Everyone needs water
- Our communities are connected by the lakes
- Our economy is affected by shortages or pollution
- We can only use what is replenished
About the Project
The Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Project is the most advanced water resource assessment ever conducted in Canada, using the latest models and computer technology to estimate Okanagan water availability, taking into account climate change and population growth.
The Project includes studies on groundwaterWater existing below the ground surface in aquifers, stream-flowsThe flow of water in rivers or stream channels, environmental water needs, and water useVolume or rate of water diverted or withdrawn from a water body (eg a stream, lake, or groundwaterWater existing below the ground surface in aquifers aquiferAn underground formation that stores groundwater) for use by humans on the land surface. Actual water use is determined through direct measurement. Water demand is an estimate of actual water use. – balancing water supplies and water demands through a computer accounting model.
The Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Project is seeking answers to these questions:
- Is our water over-allocated?
- How do we protect groundwaterWater existing below the ground surface in aquifers?
- How will we share during shortages?
- How do we reduce risks to water quality?
- How can we be more water efficient?
- How much water do we have?
- What does the future hold?
Okanagan Basin Water Cycle (click to enlarge)
Why study the Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common pointThe Okanagan watershedLand area from which water drains towards a common point, or basinLand area from which water drains towards a common point, is a narrow strip that spans from Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada to the US border and includes five main lakes – Okanagan, Kalamalka-Wood, Skaha, Vaseux and Osoyoos – and surrounding mountains.
The Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common point includes all the land that feeds water to our big lakes, and is almost 200 km in length and 8,000 km2 in area. Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Osoyoos all lie within the Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common point.?
The Okanagan has the lowest per person water supply in Canada, with a growing population that is vulnerable to climate change.
Our economy, and in particular, major industries such as agriculture and tourism, depend on the health of our water resources.
The last comprehensive water assessment in the Okanagan was completed in 1974. Since then, population growth has outstripped all predictions and our water management technologies have greatly improved.
Read more:
- The Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common pointThe Okanagan watershedLand area from which water drains towards a common point, or basinLand area from which water drains towards a common point, is a narrow strip that spans from Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada to the US border and includes five main lakes – Okanagan, Kalamalka-Wood, Skaha, Vaseux and Osoyoos – and surrounding mountains.
The Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common point includes all the land that feeds water to our big lakes, and is almost 200 km in length and 8,000 km2 in area. Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Osoyoos all lie within the Okanagan BasinLand area from which water drains towards a common point.
- Project Overview
- Project Partners
- Summary Report