Okanagan Mayors Emphasize Water Conservation Ahead of 'Make Water Work' Campaign

Strategic Insights -

For the fifth time since 2011, the Okanagan Basin Water Board's 'Make Water Work' campaign is underway, aimed at reducing water consumption in the region. Armstrong and Lake Country mayors, Joe Cramer and Blair Ireland, respectively, have expressed their commitment to water conservation, with Cramer's community having achieved six consecutive titles, including back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023. The campaign involves a partnership with FireSmart BC, a provincial initiative to reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities, with water conservation and wildfire risk reduction being closely linked.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Okanagan has less water available per person than anywhere else in Canada, and residents use more water per person than anywhere else in the country, according to a 2010 study.
  • The second-highest usage of water in the region is outdoor lawns, and the Okanagan Basin Water Board is focusing on addressing this issue through the Make Water Work campaign.
  • The campaign's new partnership with FireSmart BC aims to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes and communities by conserving water.
  • Mayor Joe Cramer praised former Armstrong mayor Chris Pieper for his role in delivering the town's six Make Water Work titles.
  • Lake Country mayor Blair Ireland highlighted the importance of being conscious of water use, especially during the region's hot and dry summers.
  • Ireland also recounted the devastating effects of a 2023 wildfire that entered his community and destroyed three homes, emphasizing the need for water conservation.

Statistics:

  • According to a 2010 study, the Okanagan has less water available per person than anywhere else in Canada.
  • Residents in the Okanagan use more water per person than anywhere else in the country, according to the 2010 study.
  • The Okanagan Basin Water Board reports that outdoor lawns account for the second-highest usage of water in the region.
  • The May Water Work campaign runs until mid-October, with the community that collects the most pledges per capita being named Make Water Work Community Champions.
  • The campaign offers two $500 WaterWise yard upgrades to participants who take a pledge.

Sources:

  • Vernon Morning Star, "Okanagan mayors take on water conservation challenge", Vernon Morning Star, 2025.