CONTENTS Water Managementprogram 7 Onservices Report Ourvisionandobjective 7 6 Ourmission 6 Boardofdirectors 5

The Okanagan Basin Water Board provides leadership to protect and enhance quality of life in the Okanagan Basin through sustainable water resource management.

Photo Credit: Mike Biden, IFlyPhoto.com 25 Financial Statements 22 Financial Highlights Eurasian Watermilfoil ManagementProgram 20 Sewage Facilities GrantProgram 18 Communication andOutreach 14 Water Science 12 Okanagan Water Stewardship Council 10 Improvement GrantProgram 6 Staff 5 OrganizationalOverview DaleHaberstock 5 4 BrianGiven 4 InMemoriam 4 Messagefrom theExecutive Director 3 Messagefrom theChair 2 CONTENTS Water ManagementProgram 7 onServices Report OurVisionandObjective 7 6 OurMission 6 BoardofDirectors 5

Water andQuality Conservation 8 Who We Are 1

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT When we share a resource like water – one that crosses political and administrative boundaries – collaboration smoothes the way to make change and move forward.

Stu Wells Message from the Chair Chair, Okanagan Basin Water Board Mayor, Town of Osoyoos 2008 - 2009 marked a great milestone in our efforts to create positive stewardship for the precious water resource we all share. Hundreds of stakeholders, scientists, politicians, community leaders and others worked more closely together than ever before on the critical details of how we can ensure that we have an adequate, sustainable supply of clean water into the future.

I’m pleased to report that the Okanagan Basin Water Board played a key role in moving this work forward – not just by supporting research, funding community water-improvement projects, advising governments, and informing the public – but, importantly, by fostering widespread co-operation and collaboration among everyone involved. Through partnerships, we are succeeding!

The Okanagan Basin Water Board itself is a collaboration between Okanagan communities, and is supported by a collaborative stakeholder group – the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council. We had many successes this year – release of the Sustainable Water Strategy; near-final work on the Okanagan Water Supply & Demand Study; production of the Groundwater Bylaws Toolkit; and co-hosting of the national One Watershed-One Water conference. And there were many more achievements.

I am proud of the Valley-wide leadership provided by our dedicated staff and the committed members of our Board and Stewardship Council. I’m honoured to serve with them as we all work together to take the best possible care of our one and only source of water: the Okanagan watershed.

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT 2 It is inspiring to see the community pull together with a shared appreciation of the importance of water.

Message from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Anna Warwick Sears, PhD Executive Director Welcome to the first ever Annual Report of the Okanagan Basin Water Board – highlighting activities of the last fiscal year, and catching up with long-time programs. After more than 30 years of Eurasian watermilfoil control and sewage facilities grants, in 2006 the OBWB took on a range of other water issues, from water supply to source protection. We have made great headway in these areas thanks to the leadership of the Board, the volunteers participating on our projects and committees, and the partnerships formed with all levels of government, universities and NGOs. It is inspiring to see the community pull together with a shared appreciation of the importance of water.

2008-09 was an active year. We had a detailed review of the Water Management Program, leading to its renewal by all three Regional Boards. In October, OBWB hosted the One Watershed – One Water conference to highlight Okanagan water research. In November, the OBWB moved corporate offices from Coldstream to Kelowna, and this central location will keep us in better contact with communities throughout the valley. The municipal election marked a change of OBWB Directors with 8 new faces at the table. Our long-time Chair, John Slater, moved on to serve as a BC MLA with special responsibilities for water. Brian Given, our Chair from January 2009 until his passing in August, inspired OBWB to reach out to the community at large. Stu Wells, our new Chair, brings his experience as a former Water Stewardship Council member, and a passion for all aspects of water sustainability.

Looking ahead, we are happy to see the Water Supply & Demand Project nearing completion, which will give a firm foundation for a Basin-wide drought plan, water conservation strategies, and other activities that benefit the valley as a whole. OBWB staff have been working on communication and outreach for all our programs, and consulting with the Water Stewardship Council on actioning OBWB’s top priorities from the Sustainable Water Strategy. Through all these activities, we hope to continually expand partnerships and hear back from citizens and member communities about what aspects of Okanagan water are important to you.

3 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT In Memoriam Brian Given November 13, 1951 to August 17, 2009

Brian Given was elected Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board in January 2009. Brian had a strong commitment to ensure the next generations of Okanagan residents, including his children, have fresh, healthy water and a healthy environment. His leadership and experience gave support and encouragement to the work of staff and the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council. Brian’s passion was to improve the OBWB’s communication with local government, the public, and community and business leaders. He continually asked the questions “how can the OBWB better connect with the families that live, work and play in the Okanagan and how can we share what we know about water science so that the public understands its significance?” Brian laid the ground for projects and policies that clarify the OBWB’s role and message, and that bring the community together through our shared values. Dale Haberstock August 7, 1958 to July 6, 2009

Dale’s working life was dedicated to the eradication and control of Eurasian watermilfoil. He worked with the Okanagan Basin Water Board from 1977 to the fall of 2007, and also managed a watermilfoil control program on Christina Lake. He was a certified scuba diver and had a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology. Dale had a determined personality and cared deeply about the environment. His optimistic nature, attention to detail and love of the outdoors made him a valuable asset to his employers.

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT 4 Dan Ashton Glen Taylor Hobson Robert Graham Reid Brydon Michael Gyula Kiss,Councillor Toby Pike Eurasian Watermilfoil Field Supervisor: Research andCommunicationsCoordinator: Office andGrants Administrator: Water Stewardship Director: Executive Director: S John Slater 2008: Thanks to thefollowing directors whocompleted inNovember service Completed terms ofservice: VICE-CHAIR: CHAIR: B Monique Stone, Thank you whocompleted to in2008: staff service Completed service: Eurasian Watermilfoil Control Crew: Timothy Manuel Patty Hanson Tom Siddon James Baker, Doug Findlater Gordon Clark Lorraine Bennest Bernard Bauer Baumbrough Buffy t o aff ar

Stu d , Chair, Water SupplyAssociationofBC

, former Councillor, DistrictofColdstream , former Mayor, Town ofOsoyoos o Wells , Mayor, CityofPenticton , former Chair, Okanagan Water Stewardship Council Rick , Councillor, DistrictofSummerland , former Mayor, DistrictofPeachland , former Director, CentralOkanagan EastElectoral Area f Dir f Mayor, DistrictofLake Country , Chair, Okanagan Water Stewardship Council , Mayor, DistrictofWest Kelowna , Councillor, CityofKelowna , Director, RDOSElectoral Area‘F’ , Chief,Upper NicolaIndianBand Administration andCommunicationSpecialist , Mayor, , Town Osoyoos of

, former Councillor, DistrictofSummerland Fairbairn PhD AnnaWarwick Sears, , Councillor, CityofVernon ecto , DistrictofColdstream , Director, RDNO Electoral Area ‘D’ Area Electoral Director, , RDNO Nelson Jatel, BSc r s Genevieve Dunbar, BSc Pat Field,GordGreer IanHorner Kellie Garcia, BSc OBWB staff OBWB OBWB Directors, September 2009 September Directors, OBWB 5

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2008-20096 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT functions: essential The OBWB provides the following • • • • •

capacity local expanding – partners cost-sharing identifying and dollars external securing grants, leverage byproviding opportunities funding Building research and projects water of effectiveness the increasing – businesses and universities non-government, government, between coordinating and Communicating planning long-term for sustainable – managers water and makers decision government towaterlocal Okanagan on information science-based Providing interests Okanagan protecting – makers policy and planners government tosenior needs local representing and Advocating residents Basin all benefiting – management and research water and funding, infrastructure wastewater control, forwatermilfoil programs basin-wide Implementing

own water management goals. management watertheir own meet to jurisdictions member of capacity the supporting while collective supplies water the sustainable long-term for meet citizens Okanagan that of needs scale Basin strategic the undertake at programs to and is projects organization the of objective overall The and wildlife supporting while agriculture areas. natural and the meeting residents system, of water fully-integrated needs a have to is vision Our O sustainable through management. resource water Basin Okanagan the in life of quality enhance and protect to leadership provides Board Water Basin Okanagan The O watershed. Okanagan the within the Board. Programs are through supported tax on assessments lands by established body advisory stakeholder science-based a – Council Water the Okanagan Stewardship the and BC of WaterAssociation Supply from representatives the Alliance, has Nation Okanagan the districts, Board regional Okanagan three The valley. Okanagan the in projects and programs water-related of range a on works now OBWB pull together all the resources and give them meaningful direction. The but that wea needed to support, and wayexcellent assist, scientific to was there strong the interest from time recognized government senior of leaders Local watershed. ofentire the atscale the solutions finding and issues identifying with (legislated tasked body governance water 1970) a as 1968 in initiated was Board Water Basin Okanagan The Wh Orga u u r Vi r Mi r o W n s e ss iza i

on A i on r t a e i on nd al O al O b j ect ve r i ve v i ew The Water Management Program connects the dots between the people, the information, the policies and the plans we need to protect water in the Okanagan.

Report on Services The Water Management Program includes four main WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM components: Every Okanagan community manages their local water supplies separately – delivering drinking water, approving land use, draining 1) Water Conservation storm water, and trying to stop pollution. However, basin-wide water and Quality management addresses problems that cross community boundaries Improvement Grant by providing information to decision makers and working toward Program agreements that protect the resource for everyone. 2) Water Science The Water Management Program (WMP) was initiated in 2006 – heralding a return to the OBWB’s original mandate and updating 3) Okanagan Water its governance structure. The Board was expanded to include Stewardship Council representatives from the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Water Supply Association of BC, and the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council. 4) Communication and Outreach The WMP consists of four main components: a grant program for water conservation and quality improvements; water science development, including the Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Project; the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council; and communication and outreach, including the Okanagan Sustainable Water Strategy, the One Watershed-One Water conference and the Groundwater Bylaws Toolkit.

Many water issues are shared throughout the valley. The WMP has addressed water quality risks, drought planning, research on emerging water quality and quantity concerns, and groundwater protection. With the work of the WMP, we can better communicate to senior government about Okanagan water issues, such as the need for crown land surrounding drinking water reservoirs to remain public.

Much more work is needed to make Okanagan water resources sustainable – balancing the interests of different users, pressure from population growth, climate change and pine beetle impacts. The WMP plays an important role in finding collaborative solutions to these problems.

7 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT $1.26 million was matched by grant recipients or leveraged externally for the $500,000 awarded through the OBWB Water Conservation and Quality improvement Grant program.

Latest News and Water Conservation and Upcoming Quality Improvement Grant Program Developments The Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WQCI) Grant In 2009-10, $300,000 of program builds collaboration and promotes best practices funding was distributed to for Okanagan water management. The program has improved 19 exciting projects now communication and linkages between OBWB, member local under way throughout the governments and other water stakeholders and organizations. Okanagan. Current projects include continuing Source The $500,000 awarded in 2008-09 went to municipalities, irrigation Protection Assessments for districts and local non-profit groups throughout the Okanagan. Okanagan Watersheds, a Awards ranged from $3,000 to $30,000. Every year the program basin-wide initiative; and has been oversubscribed and competitive, with funds directed to the innovative projects such as best projects. Grant requests for the 2008-09 funding cycle were a demonstration garden by $833,410. In some cases, the OBWB awarded partial funding to allow the newly formed Okanagan a greater number of projects to go forward. Xeriscape Association, and the Okanagan’s first commercial sector water audit program from the City of Penticton.

Preparing to depart from Paddlewheel Park in Vernon to conduct Foreshore Inventory Mapping of the north end of Okanagan Lake,

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 8BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT May 2008. audience. audience. management water wider a amongst shared of be can successes many their so awareness and issues, raise to projects their to publicize encouraged been have recipients Grant requirements. reporting final and mid-term visits, site with throughout tracked are projects All Nation Okanagan and Environment Alliance. of Ministry Okanagan, – UBC and Oceans, of Fisheries Department of Canada, BC, Unlimited Ducks Foundation Estate Real the as such partners from contributions party third secured recipients Many Okanagan. Central the in management resource groundwater for aquifers, bedrock characterize to reflection of conditions current of Okanagan habitat portions shoreline on Lake; northern and and seismic impacts shoreline of Mapping Inventory Foreshorewaterquality; drinking to avoid risks and betterunderstand Examples to purveyors grants. water allowing Assessments, received Protection Source include: organizations 27 of total a 2008-09 In 2008. August Watershed, Creek Duteau Plateau, Vernon Greater Aberdeen the in site watering of cattle off-stream for an location Clark best the Waterdiscuss Renee and Association Cattleman’s the with Hesketh Lee quality. water historic to approximate taken were Cores 2008. June Lake, Osoyoos from core sediment a wrangle researchers Okanagan UBC- and Environment of Ministry the of Staff for ranchers, Ministry Ministry the Range, and opportunities Forest ranchers, of new for opened up has project “This R Water: CattleImpact Greater Vernon Success tory Okanagan, Tolko and and stakeholders.” Tolko other North Okanagan, District Regional water quality.water maintaining for from partners all commitment a of strong and donations resources and kind time in to its attributed directly partners; is success multiple collaboration by of excellent an example was project The fencing. and control structures, new infrastructure, watering the off-stream installing on by Watershed the Creek Duteau impacts reducing cattle partner for multi plan a to and develop structures, and control fencing to existing to Water map WCQI Vernon awarded a Greater was Grant 2008-09, In Water. Vernon Greater Technologist, Quality Water Senior Clark, eduction Plan Renee Renee 9

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT “The Water Stewardship Council has done some impressive work, bringing together a diverse group of community and senior government partners to reach consensus on a vision for water management in the Okanagan.” Honourable D. Ross Fitzpatrick

Five Guiding Okanagan Water Stewardship Council Principles for Water Management in the One of the OBWB’s goals is to find collaborative solutions to water Okanagan Basin resource concerns, and bridge the interests of all Okanagan and senior governments, water stakeholders and citizens. The Council The following five principles is one mechanism for meeting this goal. As a standing advisory provide a framework within committee of the Board, the Council is composed of 27 volunteer which the Okanagan Water technical experts and water stakeholders that help find solutions Stewardship Council will that bridge multiple concerns and enhance the effectiveness of the evaluate specific water OBWB’s recommendations. management policies or proposals. These inter-woven The most challenging water management problems involve conflicts principles are to be pursued between water users and other stakeholders. The tug-of-war between equally and in tandem. urban water needs, farmers, fisheries, and recreational users can create social rifts, lawsuits and other problems within the Okanagan 1. Think Regionally and community. The Council helps diffuse issues before they begin by Think Long-Term creating a forum where user groups can find common ground and 2. Protect Nature for the discuss common solutions before issues arise. Information is passed Benefit of All on to the OBWB, and back into the community. 3. Anticipate Change – Plan Accordingly 4. Balance Multiple Lee Hesketh, member of the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council, hosts a field tour at his ranch. Priorities 5. Practice clear and open communication

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 10BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Bauer read the Okanagan Sustainable Water Strategy as Kellie Garcia looks on. looks Garcia Kellie as Water Strategy Sustainable Okanagan the read Bauer Bernie Chair current and Water StewardshipCouncil, Okanagan the of Chair TomPast Siddon, that face the Okanagan valley. Okanagan the face that and problems management water issues support to water Board the important to input provide discuss meet, to leaders and community an scientists be professionals, water to Okanagan for continue vehicle will important Council Stewardship Water Okanagan The information. water to access improving and regulation, groundwater monitoring, waterhydrometric water streamlined use structures, pricing reporting, management, drought Okanagan quality, water protect to wildlife and forlivestock watering off-stream stormwatermanagement, integrated Examples of priority projects include: drinking water source protection, priorities. highest OBWB’s the on forward move to proposals detailed the together pulling now is Council produced The government. senior and Council local for the 2008 in OBWB, Water actions Strategy,Sustainable 45 recommended Okanagan with the of request the At Dr. cracks decades.” for jurisdictional through important fallen has that one – this initiative taking-up leadership shown in have commendable Board Water Stewardship Basin Okanagan and Council Water “The Professor,Okanagan UBC

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Curtis , Associate Associate , 11 3 20092008-2009 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 20092 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD - ANNUAL REPORT 2008-200912 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT and policy development. development. policy and consultation public is stage next The of Okanagan. District Central Regional the at located be will models and data project with Database, Water Okanagan The users. specialized makers. for available be decision also will information Detailed share and to planners with results Project tool web-based a reporting on are We working in 2009. up December wrapping is Project Demand & Supply Water The Developments and Upcoming La - Canada $296,900. $150,000; Agriculture - and Environment to 2008 (Golder Associates). Groundwater Model Canada), Okanagan Study (Environment Evaporation Canada), Lake Agriculture and Demand Agriculture of (Ministry Model ter Wa Water the Okanagan Engineering), (Dobson Study Use and Management n a g a n ka O s e i d u t S 2008-2009 Highlights from

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Ministry of of Ministry Grants howcanwesupportthispaceof When are wegoingtorunoutofwater? planners and decision makers. However, as the project is targeted at at targeted is However, project makers. the as decision and planners government local to available made be will project the of results The fish for demand. water needs agricultural and change climate environment, the and water flows, stream groundwater, Study include the contributions. elements OBWB in of $400K conducted in- including and ever cash contributions, in kind $2.5M study over of water budget combined extensive a with Okanagan, most the is This 2009. December in and supply water completion for scheduled – Basin a Okanagan the for analysis demand undertake to universities, and agencies other with along Environment, of Ministry the with reasons, partnered has OBWB the these For diminishes. supply our as increasing is demand our that concerns available. raised havegrowth population and actually change Climate is than water more for given been have licenses There have long been concerns that our water supply is over-allocated; use. forhuman accessed be can water much how say to challenge a be to continues supply It pumps. available and pipes the of system managed to elaborately an Okanagan to leading – the in use water adapting with Since the beginning of European settlement there have been struggles Project Demand & Supply Water Wa Response Planning, and a review of water license allocations. allocations. license water reviewof a and Planning, Response Drought Basin-wide allow also will Project the the of into results The information future. water using and understanding collecting, for framework a provide will information collected stores that Database Water Okanagan the and Project Demand & Supply Water 2009 The areas. local in issues demand and supply water answering valley-wide questions, there will still be much to learn about in theValley? te development? Whydoweneedtoworry r S r about waterwhenwehavehugelakes c i ence

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spring 2010. spring in analyzed being results test anticipated with initiative year two a is project The risks. to minimize practices best identifying of goal a with evaluating also are researchers differences in discharge practices among wastewater The treatment plants assessments. risk informed and Curtis know Jeff how high the concentrations are, we will be Dr.better we able Once to wastewater. conduct in residues care personal by and pharmaceutical lead trace of concentrations the tracking project, is Brett, Tricia student graduate disruptor endocrine The Okanagan. the in risk exposure our about raised havebeen these residues. Current remove As toinformation is systems. released designed through national media, not questions endocrine were systems animal treatment wastewater and human disrupt may that residues – product care pollutants personal and emerging pharmaceutical trace about especially concerns new to led have science in advances and Okanagan, the in live residents 345,000 over Today, waterquality. in improvements dramatic make and plants treatment cutting-edge build governments local helped have government BC the and OBWB from grants time, that Since blooms. algae foul stimulated and lakes valley polluted had sewage untreated challenge; a faced residents 170,000 Okanagan’s the 1960s, the In Project Disrupter Endocrine Slater celebrate the awarding of the federal Gas Tax grant for the Okanagan Water TaxOkanagan forGas the federal grant the awardingof the celebrate Slater Caption for top photo: M.P. Ron Cannan helps Dr. Anna Warwick Sears and John John and Sears M.P.Dr. for photo: top Warwick helps Anna Caption Cannan Ron Supply & Demand Study. Demand & Supply Endocrine Disrupter study that that study Disrupter Endocrine the - research this of forefront the in at are We present Okanagan. the determine are levels to it what important therefore is wildlife humans; to risk wastewater and a synthetic pose in may and estrogens “Natural UBC Okanagan UBC Candidate, Masters Brett, Tricia region.” waterlimited a such in nor Canada Western in else anywhere out carried been not has spearheading is OBWB the 13 3 20092008-2009 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2

20092008-200914 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2005, p. 36 p. 2005, Canada) Toronto, Foundation, Gordon Duncan and (Walter requirements.” reporting of lack a to due known not is number precise the but wells, 100,000 over has British Columbia that estimated is “It Nowlan,

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water researchers andlocalresidents Strong communicationbetweenthe The Toolkit is available online at: at: online available is groundwater/. Toolkit The Toolkit. the of revieweddrafts and direction provided firms consulting government, and organizations, local non-profit and senior from experts twenty policy of and committee groundwater advisory technical A program. Grant from Planning Infrastructure support Government BC the financial and Fund Innovation Tax received Gas the Toolkit Bylaws Groundwater The BC. in governments bylocal use in already protection groundwater in practices best the highlight that studies provides case also It area. unique each to tailored be can that language bylaw and policy sample provides and tool, each explains clearly groundwater. It provides and protect to government local groundwater,for tools management use land managing practical for science, jurisdiction groundwater the of principles outlines basic the presents Toolkit The runoff. surface of instead waterrecharge maximizing and aquifers, protecting quantity, and quality groundwater monitoring includes This jurisdictions. legislative and geographic own their within groundwater of quantity and quality protect the governments local tohelp partners and OBWB the by developed was and (www.greenbylaws.ca), Toolkit Bylaws Green the to appendix an is Toolkit, Bylaws Groundwater The G WaterWorld Week. in participation and conference, the Water Water Watershed-One Strategy,One the Sustainable Toolkit,Okanagan Bylaws Groundwater the communication were Major 2008-2009 of issues. residents, initiatives water Okanagan for on hub information for communications looking stakeholders water a and representatives media become researchers, has OBWB The C ommun roundwater Bylaws Toolkit Bylaws roundwater peoples, seniorlevelsofgovernment, OBWB andlocalgovernment,aboriginal is acrucialcomponentoftheWater Management Program. i c a t i on a nd O ut r e a c h www.obwb.ca/okanagan_ recommendations that match their current priorities and capacity. and priorities current their match that those recommendations on act can Board the that means and document out one in laid explained information this valley- of forall Having structure governance. best water wide the shortages, identify of and times in demand, water water designed share manage source, actions its at recommended water protect includes to Strategy The one to most another. connect they the how and highlighting issues management and water Basin important the extensive about together bringing information request, technical this on delivers Strategy The addressed. be should issues these how about the information about of Okanagan water issues request and make recommendations the at together bring would that for asked document a who Directors, OBWB developed was Strategy The to water toward adapt sustainability. work us and demand, help water rising will and climate that changing practices management water Council to guide Stewardship Water Okanagan Water Strategy, comprehensive a Sustainable Okanagan the the released 2008, September In Strategy Water Sustainable Okanagan “A regional waterstrategyisnotjust managed forthebenefitofourchildren, desirable, itisessentialtoensuring our mostvaluablefuture commodityis grandchildren andallthosewhofollow.” Brad Bennett,President McIntoshProperties

recommended are relevant, relevant, right the simply and necessary, are recommended are that items action forty-five common The goals. management water achieving together toward stakeholders bring to intended is that document inclusive an is Sustainable Strategy Water Okanagan “The editorial committee editorial Bob to do.” thing

Hrasko , chair of the OWSC the of chair , 15 3 20092008-2009 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 20092 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD - ANNUAL REPORT 2008-200916 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT climate change. climate and beetle, pine rapid mountain of impacts growth, including population - international issues regional, and on national conference discussions Water One Watershed- One the Water framed Project Demand and cutting-edge Supply with the the combined of Okanagan environment The OBWB participationinconferences and the Okanagan Partnership Society’s Okanagan Water flagship flagship Water Okanagan Society’s Partnership Okanagan the Dr.co-chairing including: Okanagan, resources. the in tirelessly water worked has Siddon sustainable for stewardship has and that governance organization or individual an demonstrated exemplary in of leadership support water management, recognize to is Water award of Okanagan purpose the The inaugural Siddon. Tom Dr. to first awarded was the Award Leadership ceremonies, opening the At UBC with partnered Watereventsfor World OBWB Week. of variety a tohost Okanagan the 2009, 27, and 24 March Between authority on international waterissues. international on authority the shape will that leading a byDr.Postel, Sandra presentation a and future Okanagan’s issues water experts Canada/US of into panel insight a provided where entitled Opportunities” forum Shared public Waters, a “Shared included events Week Water World Other Water StewardshipCouncil. Okanagan the co-chairing and committee World Water Week WorldWater ( website OBWB the from available is proceedings conference the of record complete A States. United the as well as Canada, of areas other and Columbia and governance. The conference attracted over 220 delegates management from British water improve to communication, recommendations develop strengthen and priorities, and issues identify water in science, innovations share to public the and Nations, First policy makers, scientists, together bring to 2008, was aim 23, Conference and Kelowna. in 21 October between Canadian Association the Resources of Branch Water BC the and the Board by Water hosted Basin was Okanagan conference Water” One – Watershed “One The Conference Water One – Watershed One community eventsincreases itscapacity management andscienceideasbest tosupportthesharingofwater practices. www.obwb.ca/o_wow/ ). Public and stakeholder outreach stakeholder and Public and groups senior community and companies. consulting local organizations, from professional people 150 government, over includes list Our distribution meetings. OBWB from to arising 2008 decisions May and in activities introduced highlight was Report Board OBWB monthly The reports Board Alliance, Nation Band. Indian Okanagan Okanagan and Nation, First Westbank the from staff with held were Meetings staff. their and MLAs Okanagan water with informally Okanagan met also and about issues Parliament of Members Federal Conservative of BC the Caucus to update an provided answer staff and OBWB OBWB questions. the of activities the on them update to 2008 in The OBWB Executive Director visited each Okanagan local government government senior and tolocal Presentations website. projects Improvement Quality OBWB the of on posted are articles news All and 2008-09. in program Grant and Conservation Water initiatives, the OWSC through and funded OBWB independent of excellent was coverage There press events. and meetings to media local inviting and releases, press out with sending – providing interviews, media relationship active an maintain to hard works OBWB The coverage Media websites. partner and reports, technical projects, toresearch links and updates, news staff, the OBWB and Council Board, Stewardship Water the to introductions programs, OBWB all on information ( website corporate extensive an has OBWB The Website OBWB The OBWBusesawidevarietyoftoolsto and Collaborative Water Governance Initiative Workshop. Workshop. Initiative Water Governance Collaborative and Centre, Science Okanagan Council, Basin Fraser Group, Stewardship River Marron Association, Groundwater BC Agrologists, of Institute BC professional organizations, including the: BC Fruit Growers’ Association, and groups community to presentations provided also They 2008-09. OBWB staff participated in numerous public forums and conferences in local residents, universityresearchers, and many othergroups interested in Okanagan waterissues. communicate withwatermanagers, Communication Tools Communication www.obwb.ca ) with with ) The OBWB is currently currently Water an is on working OBWB The Developments Upcoming La to increase awareness awareness increase to Outreach participate in sustainable sustainable to management. water in public participate the that to empower messages and key OBWB, deliver the from available science-based information water the awareness about raise to OBWB, the by conducted of research results the to disseminate water concerns, management valley-wide about test Newsand

Strategy – designed Education Okanagan

and 17 3 20092008-2009 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT In 2008-09, the Sewage Facilities Grants Program distributed more than $2,170,000 in grants to Okanagan municipalities, for upgrades to sewage treatment plants and converting neighbourhoods Reclaimed water being used to on septic to community sewer. irrigate a forage corn crop.

Did you know? Sewage Facilities Grant Program

• The OBWB’s Sewage One of the OBWB’s oldest programs, for more than 30 years Facilities Grants sewage facilities grants have helped Okanagan communities make program is unique in BC, dramatic reductions in nutrient loading to lakes and streams. The and was created OBWB provides a locally-based source of funds to match Provincial following infrastructure dollars, under the principle that clean water benefits all recommendations from Basin residents. the 1974 Okanagan Basin Study. In recent years, questions have arisen about the future of the • The Okanagan also program. Have most of the sewage system upgrades been completed? has unique protections What is the status of water quality in the Basin? Are there other ways for wastewater disposal this funding source could support water quality improvements? To and was one of the address these questions, the OBWB commissioned an update to the first areas in BC Okanagan Master Wastewater Management Plan. This report was to restrict lot sizes for completed in March 2009 by CLPA Consulting, Ltd. of Vernon. subdivisions on septic. • The Okanagan needs these special protections because of the environmental, health, and economic Early 1970s photo of Okanagan Lake illustrating significant algae blooms and poor water quality. importance of clean lake water.

22009 OKANAGAN BASIN 2008-2009BOARD WATER - ANNUAL OKANAGAN REPORT BASIN 18BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Kg/Yr 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 reduce emerging contaminants and expand reclaimed water use. wateruse. reclaimed expand and contaminants emerging reduce to projects for or streams, and lakes to discharges polluted reduce to to communities allowing designed are that projects for stormwater infrastructure funds access consider OBWB the recommend The erosion. authors and stormwater like sources from continues pollution 1980s, the since loading phosphorus source much point program been on improvement has the there While to funds. access contributing to opportunity been had have have that communities all not and sewer, community to upgrading need still septic on areas Many time. this at program the terminating recommend not did study The 0

1970 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986

1987 MUNICIP 1988 1989 1990

1991 AL PHOSPHORUS 1992 YEAR 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 LO 2000 AD 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Osoyoo Oliv OK Pe Summerlan We Kelowna Brandt Ve Armstron ntic rnon stbank Fa er lls to ’s s n g d Wastewater Management Management Master the consider Wastewater Basin of Okanagan conclusions will the the year, coming OBWB the In Developments Upcoming La funds. managers to access and track program and applicants both system – making it simpler for the reporting financial program’s updating and process application is its OBWB streamlining the program. Meanwhile, the of future the on governments Okanagan and to recommendations report make Update Plan test Newsand 19 3 20092008-2009 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT “The situation on...Okanagan Lake, which is plagued with an unprecedented weed growth, is getting desperate.” B.J. Sworder – RDNO Chair, December, 1971

Did you know? Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Program • The OBWB is responsible for milfoil control for the The goal of the OBWB’s Eurasian watermilfoil management program swim course of both the is to reduce the density of non-native aquatic weeds so that they do Kelowna Apple Triathlon, not interfere with public enjoyment of our lakes, or have negative in Kelowna and Ironman impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. This program is the longest running Canada, in Penticton program of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, using mechanical • Rototiller design and control methods developed over 30 plus years of operation. The construction was program includes rototilling (derooting) in the late fall and winter and completed locally with all harvesting in the summer. three machines being built in the Okanagan. 2008-09 saw the development of a new resource for the OBWB’s • The majority of milfoil Eurasian watermilfoil control program, the “Management Plan for removal is done in winter, Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), in the Okanagan, not summer. De-rooting British Columbia” available online at www.obwb.ca. The plan outlines is more effective than harvesting and completed over a much longer time frame and geographical A bed of Eurasian watermilfoil at the south end of Kalamalka Lake, near Oyama, observed during the OBWB’s annual lake survey in July 2008. area than harvesting. • We love to hear back from you about where the weeds are and how we are doing.

22009 OKANAGAN BASIN 2008-2009BOARD WATER - ANNUAL OKANAGAN REPORT BASIN 20BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT until the weather returned to seasonal norms. toseasonal returned weather the until not for snap the did hydraulic systems in the rototillers, cold causing operations to cease A it program. the season of reaching almost -30°C) in December (temperatures created part problems 2008-09 this of the delivery of the climatic affect overly course and the mechanical over both challenges faced operations rototilling While of start season. rototilling the at 2009 November by operational be will Morooka The Bombardier. old our replacing rototillers, floating for unsuitable areas In the 2008, OBWB a purchased shallow water cultivator to be used in the on sites treatment of lakes. picture comprehensive more a provide and OBWB, the for resource new a are maps These lakes. mainstem Okanagan for habitat spawning kokanee of maps with overlaid sites watermilfoil Eurasian treated formerly and current of maps aquatic are plan on impacts reduce to in the management Included and lake and habitat recreation. species used practices management best The machine used for rototilling Eurasian Eurasian forrototilling used machine The watermilfoil root systems on shallow shallow on rootsystems watermilfoil portions of the lake floor.lake the of portions ae jtig dvr operated diver dredging, jetting, water past machine the include in used years. the Methods the through to program in adjustments resulted many has the Okanagan in managing watermilfoil of Eurasian years 30 than more from gained Experience lakes. Okanagan from watermilfoil Eurasian harvesting for used machine The experiment withherbicides. controversial) (and short a and barriers, bottom screens, river booms, containment dredging, 21 3 20092008-2009 OKANAGAN OKANAGAN BASIN BASIN WATER WATER BOARD BOARD - ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT One of OBWB’s most valuable assets has been the ability to build partnerships and leverage external funds and in-kind contributions with local dollars.

Financial Highlights

One of OBWB’s most valuable assets has been the ability to build partnerships and leverage external funds and in-kind contributions with local dollars. This is a core component of the Sewage Facilities Grant Program and the Water Management Program, and is extended further by the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grants, where grantees bring in many more partners. Details of Grant funds received in 2008-09 • $150,000 for the Water Supply & Demand Project from the Ministry of Environment. • $10,000 for the Master Wastewater Plan from a MCD Infrastructure Planning Grant. • $24,500 for the Endocrine Disrupter Project from Health Canada. Details of Grants awarded in 2008-09: These grants were awarded to OBWB during 2008-09, but funded in 2009-10. • $296,900 for the Water Supply & Demand Project from the National Water Supply Expansion Program • $55,000 for the Ground Water Bylaws Toolkit from Gas Tax Innovations Fund

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 22BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 was a transitional year for OBWB financial financial OBWB in format. changes more be likely to are year,there fiscal and the current for refined further for being financial are audited procedures our Reporting to of statements. year format RDNO the to from changes making functions and transitional RDCO, accounting transferring a administration: was 2008-2009 Tra Grant Facilities Sewage and Program. Control Weed Water functions: Aquatic met delivery Management, service costs among shared Administration and forecasts, Basin, projects. budget Okanagan Program the Management of Water Assessment Groundwater Project, Demand & Supply Water Conservation program, Water grants Improvement Quality the: funding and including government projects, years, senior multi-year of fiscal support reserve to two a previous accumulated the OBWB external the Over with dollars funding. local government leveraging senior - activity significant a of reflects 36) year (p. Statements Financial 2008-09 the of A Schedule A

Ye ns ar ar i t o i ons f f Act i n i

v F i i t n y a nc ial ial Repo r t i n g 23

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2008-200924 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT (p. 28) NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Demand Project. 2009 the in given is program Financial Statements. (p.33) by list itemized An disbursed. and accumulated are funds which for commitments multi-year are programs OBWB of number A 2. NOTE of rate same the at contributes owner property approximately $7.39 valley per$100,000 assessment. Okanagan Each 1. NOTE TOTAL Accumulated Surplus Current liabilities Liabilities andSurplus(inthousands) TOTAL Property, plantandequipment Current assets (includingcash) Assets (inthousands) Water Management Sewerage facilities Administration Expenses (inthousands) Accumulated Surplus (beginningofyear) Non-government grantsandcontracts Government grantsandcontracts Okanagan-Similkameen Levies from memberRegional Districts Revenues (inthousands) F Central Okanagan TOTAL Weed control Interest income TOTAL i North Okanagan North n a nc ial ial H NOTE 3 ighligh ts f NOTE 1 o NOTE 2 r 2008-09 r 2,533 2,533 2,268 2,038 2,028 4,365 1,850 1,833 2,481 6,214 2009 683 265 758 669 430 185 84 64 9 3,043 3,904 2,633 6,385 2,481 3,307 3.307 1,851 1,179 2,171 2008 446 264 826 695 596 154 472 82 10

Financia 27 Audito 26 CON 2009 31, March ended year the for F i n 38 36 31 30 29 28 27 a nc TENTS Schedule B-Tangible CapitalAssets Schedule A-SegmentDisclosures Notes to theConsolidated FinancialStatements Consolidated Statement ofChangeinNet FinancialAssets Consolidated Statement ofCashFlow Consolidated Statement ofOperationsandAccumulated Surplus Consolidated Statement ofFinancialPosition r’s Repo ial ST ial l Stateme rt A nts TEMENTS 25

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2008-200926 OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights for 2008-09

Revenues (in thousands) 2009 2008 Levies from member Regional Districts NOTE 1 North Okanagan 669 596 An outcomeCentral Okanagan of the Watershed Assessment and Source2,028 Protection 1,851 Plan forOkanagan-Similkameen the Duteau Creek Watershed completed by Greater758 Vernon Water695 UtilityGovernment (Regional grants District and contracts North Okanagan) was the identification185 446 of cattleNon-government impact around grants streams and contracts within the multi use watershed.9 A WCQI10 GrantAccumulated was awarded Surplus to (beginning Greater Vernon of year) WaterNOTE 2 for $20,0002,481 to GPS2,633 and mapInterest existing income fencing and control structures, and to develop84 a multi154 partnerTOTAL plan for reducing the cattle impact by installing6,214 new control6,385 structures and fencing. Expenses (in thousands) TheAdministration successes of this project are easy to see: the map64 products 82for cattleSewerage fencing facilities and control have been made available2,038 to the forest2,171 licensee,Water Management provincial agencies, NOTE 3 ranchers themselves and1,833 Greater Vernon1,179 Water.Weed Agencycontrol responsibilities for maintenance are indicated.430 Over472 theTOTAL course of the project, 5 new control structures were4,365 installed 3,904 with plans for additional work. The biggest success for this project was the partnerAssets collaboration, (in thousands) in-kind donations of time and resources and a strongCurrent commitment assets (including from cash)all partners for maintenance2,268 and continued3,043 informationProperty, plant sharing. and equipment 265 264 TOTAL 2,533 3.307

Liabilities and Surplus (in thousands) Current liabilities 683 826 Accumulated Surplus 1,850 2,481 TOTAL 2,533 3,307

NOTE 1. Each Okanagan valley property owner contributes at the same rate of approximately $7.39 per $100,000 assessment.

NOTE 2. A number of OBWB programs are multi-year commitments for which funs are accumulated and disbursed. An itemized list by program is given in teh 2009 Financial Statements. (p. ??)

NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Deman Project. (p. ??)

27 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights

Details of Grant funds received in 2008-09 • $150,000 for the Water Supply & Demand Project from the Ministry of Environment. • $10,000 for the Master Wastewater Plan from a MCD Infrastructure Planning Grant. • $24,500 for the Endocrine Disrupter Project from Health Canada.

Details of Grants awarded in 2008-09: These grants were awarded to OBWB during 2008-09, but funded in 2009-10. • $296,900 for the Water Supply & Demand Project from the National Water Supply Expansion Program • $55,000 for the Ground Water Bylaws Toolkit from Gas Tax Innovations Fund

Spending Down Accumulated Surplus Schedule A of the 2008-09 Financial Statements (p. 12) shows greater expenses than revenues for Administration, the Water Management Program and the Water Supply & Demand Project, and these are explained as follows. Administration is funded through the Water Management, Aquatic Weed Control, and Sewerage Facilities budgets. Over the previous two fiscal years the OBWB accumulated a reserve of senior government funding for the Water Supply & Demand Project, the Groundwater Assessment of the Okanagan Basin, and projects under the Water Management Program. As these moved toward completion in 2008-09, carried forward funds were distributed to contractors and other costs. OBWB funds were also carried forward to 2008-09 to meet commitments for prior years’ Water Conservation and Quality Improvement grants and matching funds for water management

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 28BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights for 2008-09

Liabilities and Surplus (in thousands) Current liabilities 683 826 Accumulated Surplus 1,850 2,481 TOTAL 2,533 3,307

NOTE 1. Each Okanagan valley property owner contributes at the same rate of approximately $7.39 per $100,000 assessment.

NOTE 2. A number of OBWB programs are multi-year commitments for which funs are accumulated and disbursed. An itemized list by program is given in teh 2009 Financial Statements. (p. ??)

NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Deman Project. (p. ??)

29 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 30BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights for 2008-09

Liabilities and Surplus (in thousands) Current liabilities 683 826 Accumulated Surplus 1,850 2,481 TOTAL 2,533 3,307

NOTE 1. Each Okanagan valley property owner contributes at the same rate of approximately $7.39 per $100,000 assessment.

NOTE 2. A number of OBWB programs are multi-year commitments for which funs are accumulated and disbursed. An itemized list by program is given in teh 2009 Financial Statements. (p. ??)

NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Deman Project. (p. ??)

31 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 32BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights for 2008-09

Liabilities and Surplus (in thousands) Current liabilities 683 826 Accumulated Surplus 1,850 2,481 TOTAL 2,533 3,307

NOTE 1. Each Okanagan valley property owner contributes at the same rate of approximately $7.39 per $100,000 assessment.

NOTE 2. A number of OBWB programs are multi-year commitments for which funs are accumulated and disbursed. An itemized list by program is given in teh 2009 Financial Statements. (p. ??)

NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Deman Project. (p. ??)

33 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD 34WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights for 2008-09

Liabilities and Surplus (in thousands) Current liabilities 683 826 Accumulated Surplus 1,850 2,481 TOTAL 2,533 3,307

NOTE 1. Each Okanagan valley property owner contributes at the same rate of approximately $7.39 per $100,000 assessment.

NOTE 2. A number of OBWB programs are multi-year commitments for which funs are accumulated and disbursed. An itemized list by program is given in teh 2009 Financial Statements. (p. ??)

NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Deman Project. (p. ??)

35 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN 36BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights for 2008-09

Liabilities and Surplus (in thousands) Current liabilities 683 826 Accumulated Surplus 1,850 2,481 TOTAL 2,533 3,307

NOTE 1. Each Okanagan valley property owner contributes at the same rate of approximately $7.39 per $100,000 assessment.

NOTE 2. A number of OBWB programs are multi-year commitments for which funs are accumulated and disbursed. An itemized list by program is given in teh 2009 Financial Statements. (p. ??)

NOTE 3. Includes Water Management Program and Water Supply and Deman Project. (p. ??)

37 2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights

2008-2009 OKANAGAN BASIN BOARD WATER ANNUAL REPORT 38