What can we do to ensure water for peace in the Okanagan?

?? Happy UN World Water Day! ??

This year’s World Water Day theme is ‘Water for Peace.’ ???

Here, at the Okanagan Basin Water Board we often refer to our “One valley. One water.” - acknowledging that we are all connected through the water that runs through this valley. But we also recognize that our region is made up of unique communities and each has a variety of water challenges and needs. Knowing what happens to the water in one community can affect another, it’s critical that we work together to address water challenges collectively to prevent conflict. So this World Water Day we are asking: what can we as an organization do to ensure water for peace in the Okanagan?

?? RAISING AWARENESS:

As an organization entrusted to help ensure a healthy and sustainable water supply in the valley, we have an important role to play, raising public awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving water. At the OBWB, our Okanagan WaterWise outreach and education program provides information and resources to protect water in and around the home, and outdoors. We also take part in, and fund, water advocacy initiatives throughout the valley. ?For example, community-led wetland restoration projects and xeriscape teaching gardens encourage collective action to safeguard local water sources. Through such education and awareness, we hope to prevent future water conflicts. We know that to ensure peace for tomorrow, it’s imperative that we promote the message of conservation today.

?? SHARED RESPONSIBILITY:

Part of the Okanagan’s beauty and appeal is its many diverse communities. But each of these communities face unique water challenges. By gathering and sharing local water data, we aim to empower evidence-based decision-making for communities, for agriculture and for fisheries. By leading with data, we increase shared understanding and responsibility for ensuring more sustainable water decisions in our water-stressed valley.

Right in our own backyard, an international border transects Osoyoos Lake. The northern two-thirds of the lake is in Canada and the southern third is in Okanogan County, Wash. The International Joint Commission’s Osoyoos Lake Board of Control is made up of Canadian and U.S. water science professionals, and local community members (including OBWB Board Dir. Sue McKortoff and Exec. Dir. Anna Warwick Sears). The board helps ensure appropriate flows in the Okanagan/Okanogan watershed for all. Its purpose is to act for water, maintaining peace and cooperation.

?? THE WATER LINK:

The link between water and life itself is undeniable. Just as our actions can directly impact the quality and amount of water available, the health of the Okanagan’s water affects us and all that we share the water with. It is incumbent upon us all to protect water for the well-being of the environment and ourselves.

At OBWB, we support efforts to improve water quantity and quality through ongoing conversations with partners across the water sector. By working hand in hand, we advocate for necessary legislation to protect water, promote responsible practices around water, support water monitoring and restoration efforts, and take part in outreach and awareness initiatives.

On this World Water Day, we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace for water in our community. By raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and working to protect and conserve Okanagan waters, we can ensure a healthy, sustainable supply for generations to come.

Join us in raising a glass of water and toasting World Water Day!

Share this post, spread the message of #WaterForPeace, and let's create a wave of positive change together. ??

Looking for ways to conserve and protect water? Visit www.OkWaterWise.ca.

Find more information on the work of the Okanagan Basin Water Board at www.OBWB.ca.