Through the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) grant funding, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is investing $350,000 into 15 different programs around the region in order to sustain a better future.
"This injection of funds will directly support regional districts, local governments, First Nations, and non-profits as they tackle critical water conservation and quality challenges head-on," stated an OBWB press release.
While the projects are splitting the $350,000, in total they are worth more than $6.4 million.
鈥淭he quality of proposals this year was outstanding. It was great to see so many proposals that directly relate to this year鈥檚 theme of Source Water Protection, as well as restoration and groundwater protection projects that fit within the theme,鈥� says Carolina Restrepo, OBWB鈥檚 Office and Grants Manager. 鈥淲e eagerly anticipate the results of these projects as we approach the WCQI's 20th anniversary."
A few of the projects include:
- Mission Creek Restoration Initiative鈥檚 MCRI Restoration and Effectiveness Monitoring project: Funding will support the continuation of MCRI's vital restoration and monitoring work, focusing on floodplain expansion in Reach 4 to improve habitat, manage floodwaters, and enhance water quality. This project will also include the development of design plans for future restoration projects in the lower 12 km of Mission Creek.
- District of Summerland鈥檚 Source Water Investigation at the Trout Creek Perpetual Slide project: This grant will enable a crucial source water investigation at the Trout Creek Perpetual Slide. The project aims to identify groundwater sources contributing to the slide, which has been impacting water quality and aquatic habitats in Trout Creek and Okanagan Lake.
- Okanagan Nation Alliance鈥檚 Assessing Flow Paths, and Water Sources of Summer Low Flows in McDougall Creek Following 2023 Wildfire project: Funding will support a study assessing flow paths and water sources of summer low flows in McDougall Creek following the 2023 wildfire. This research will provide valuable insights for better water management in the face of increasing wildfire risks and climate change.
- Penticton Indian Band鈥檚 nluxwluxwIcwix (lower Trout Creek) Restoration project: The project will receive funding to restore two kilometres of the creek's main channel and floodplain. This initiative aims to reduce sediment entering the creek and Okanagan Lake, and restore diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
- BC Wildlife Federation鈥檚 Water, Water, Everywhere: Twin Lakes Wetland Restoration project: This project will restore two hectares of wetland near Twin Lakes, enhancing water retention, reducing erosion, and supporting local hydrology in the Okanagan-Similkameen region.
- Okanagan Indian Band鈥檚 Equesis Creek 鈥� Groundwater Connectivity Assessment for Source Water Protection Project: This project will study how Equesis Creek connects with groundwater to support sustainable water planning. Evidence shows the creek鈥檚 flow varies in ways that suggest a complex surface鈥揼roundwater relationship.
In the 19th year of the WCQI's grant program, applications totalled $554,654.
