What’s the problem?

Quite simply, the problem is supply versus demand.

Here in Osoyoos the terrain and climate are desertlike, with low precipitation and high summer temperatures, so most surface water quickly evaporates. The soil is sandy and does not retain water easily. Added to this is a booming population with increased demand for water resources.

Our water for domestic and agricultural use as well as drinking comes from Osoyoos Lake, the Okanagan River, and three surrounding aquifers (natural underground reservoirs).  These water sources are replenished by general precipitation and by runoff from mountain snowpacks. 

Geologically speaking, aquifers can vary in size and storage capacity with some only holding enough water for a few years’ supply and others holding much more.

However, it is not known how much water there is in the Osoyoos aquifers. A five-year study is being conducted by all three levels of government  to determine exactly how much water there is throughout the Okanagan Valley aquifers. Then municipalities can plan for the future.

Because there seems to be so much water in our lakes and rivers we tend to take it for granted, and in the Okanagan we use a lot more than we really need to.  For example, Kelowna uses more water per capita than anywhere else in North America.

Canada has been lucky so far compared to much of the rest of the world. Countries such as China, Australia, and even England talk about drought, hosepipe bans, dust bowls, water metering, diminishing water tables ….. many US states such as Florida and California have strict laws regarding water use due to an overall increase in population and decrease in water supply.

Another problem is the US is now looking to Canada to provide it with fresh water in the future, eg: damming and taking water from cross-border rivers.  This is a concern because it affects the water supply in Canada. At the moment there are no laws regarding the export of water, though the Canadian government has said it will not export our water.

Water Meters

Water metering is being closely studied by the Town of Osoyoos. Several test meters have been installed throughout town, and all new houses have to be fitted with a water meter hookup. Currently residents are charged a flat rate for water usage which is considerably less than the actual cost of supply, maintenance etc. Studies have shown that in areas with water meters, overall consumption per capita drops substantially.  Many major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Ottawa have used water meters for years.  The city of Vernon has had a water metering/water conservation bylaw in place since spring 2005 for both residential and irrigation use. 

What can I do?

There’s a LOT you can do in your home, garden, and farm or orchard to conserve water.  And it’ll save you money as well, in saved energy costs.

• Stop leaks – inspect taps and pipes inside and outside your home. A dripping faucet can use 10-12 gallons a day or 6,000 gallons a year!
  
• If you have an older home, install one of the new water-efficient toilets.  Older toilets are the largest user of water in the house (up to 40%).
• Your washer is the next biggest user. Replace with a new energy and water efficient model.  Do the same with your dishwasher.
• Don’t put the washing machine or dishwasher on unless you’ve got a full load. One full load uses less water than two half loads.
• Water your garden with a watering can. It uses 4 litres of water whereas a sprinkler uses 540 litres each hour!
• Are you watering the roadway? (This is actually illegal in some US states). Position your irrigation equipment carefully, both in the garden and the farm or orchard. Consider installing a shutoff valve that automatically detects rain.
• A water barrel in your garden can collect rainwater that you can use to water your lawn and borders.
• If you must use sprinklers, set them to turn on in the early hours of the morning, before sunrise. Using sprinklers during daylight hours, even on cloudy days, will result in up to 80% of the water being lost to evaporation. (Now that’s really a waste.)
• Water your garden once every 2-3 days, for about 20 minutes. This will give it a good soaking and is better than frequent, light sprinkling.
• Set your lawn mower on high to keep your grass height at about the second knuckle when measuring with a straight hand. This reduces evaporation of the ground surface and in appearance is the same as shorter grass.
• Drip irrigation is much more effective than overhead irrigation: again, much of the latter simply evaporates.
• Xeriscape your garden with drought-tolerant plants.
• If you shower instead of taking baths, you can save up to 400 litres of water per week. 
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Keep a glass, bottle or jug of water in your fridge, rather than running your tap until it runs cool.
• Use the minimum amount of water required when you boil water in saucepans and kettles – this will save energy and water.
• Turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth, washing dishes etc.
• Don’t hose down your driveway. Use a broom instead (and get some exercise at the same time!)
• If you are concerned about water quantity and quality, now and in the future, make your voice heard.  Politicians seldom take the initiative.
  
  

Please, be aware of where your water comes from – where it is going -  and what you are doing with it in between. Our future supply is uncertain.  Every drop counts!

"When the well's dry, we know the worth of water. "

- 18th Century Scottish proverb