Applications open for water conservation grants

Organizations undertaking water projects in the Okanagan can apply for some additional funding.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has opened applications for it’s Water Conservation and Quality Improvement grant program for 2024.

Through the program, applicants can receive between $3,000 and $30,000 for projects within the Okanagan Basin.

For the 2024 edition of the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement grant program (WCQI), the OBWB directors have chosen the theme “Drought Resilience” to encourage non-profit organizations, local governments and First Nations, and irrigation districts to undertake projects aimed at prevention, management and/or mitigation of drought or water shortages.

Applications for projects that meet the “Drought Resilience” theme will receive extra consideration during the evaluation and selection process.

“We are already seeing the impacts from climate change with extreme weather events,” Carolina Restrepo-Tamayo, the OBWB’s Office and Grants Manager, said.

“When it comes to water, that translates to more flooding and droughts. It means greater stress and impacts on infrastructure like dikes that may fail, water and wastewater treatment plants – either overwhelmed with flood water, or unable to keep up with demand in the case of drought. This summer’s drought has impacted some streams and their ability to support fish. It also fueled the terrible wildfires that broke out across the valley. But there are solutions – ways that communities can create resiliency and get prepared.”

The WCQI grants focus on improving water management to lessen current and future problems while protecting the environment and communities.

Application forms can be found here. The deadline to apply for the grants is Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

The OBWB has a total of $350,000 to distribute through the WCQI grant program in 2024.