Looking out at the dry hills of the Okanagan, Sears tackled some of the questions that come up when people are asked to conserve. One is that people look at the Okanagan and other lakes and can’t believe a water shortage is possible. This is referred to as the ‘Myth of Abundance.’ The fact is that Okanagan Lake only fills 1.5 metres per year in a normal year, and that’s what water managers have to work with – ensuring enough water for fish, crops, institutional use, open space and residents.

“We can’t take out more than is replenished,” said Sears. “To do that would be to ‘mine’ the lake, creating problems like the ones faced by communities that rely on Lake Mead in Nevada where the levels have been drawn down 125 feet below full-pool and water intakes are being drilled lower and lower.”

Another question that often comes up is farmers who water 24/7. Some have little choice if they have a large farm. In that case, it may take a full 24 hours to water each part of their field, she explained. And, many farmers are doing a good job – having done the work to determine how much water is needed, how often. Some farmers have installed drip lines, but for others this is cost-prohibitive, or doesn’t work for certain crop types like forage. And while much of our water goes to crops, it should be recognized that water for food contributes to food security and our economy. Most farmers are supplied by irrigation districts that work with their customers and monitor their use.

Residential outdoor watering accounts for the 2nd highest use of all water in the Okanagan (24%). At the same time, there is less water available per person in the Okanagan than anywhere in Canada. “Considering most of the residential water used outdoors is used on lawns – which are mostly for cosmetic use – this is where you and I can make a difference and Make Water Work,” said Sears, offering tips.

• Water plants. Not pavement.

• Put water on the nightshift. Water between dusk and dawn.

• Don’t mow. Let it grow. Leave lawn 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) tall.

• Leave grass clippings as mulch.

• Top dress with compost; and

• Change to drought-tolerant turf and/or native and low-water variety plants.

source: OBWB