Highlights from the July 7, 2026 meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), held at the offices of the Regional District of North Okanagan.

Meet Millie Manatee — OBWB Board and Contest Winner Take New Harvester for a Spin

The OBWB officially unveiled Millie Manatee as the winning name for its new invasive milfoil harvester on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Paddlewheel Park in Vernon. The community naming contest attracted 344 submissions, but the name Millie Manatee, a nod to the large and friendly weed-eating mammals, was chosen unanimously by the Board. 

Contest winner Dorothy Sela, along with OBWB Chair Blair Ireland and Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming took turns cutting invasive milfoil while checking out the machine’s modern mechanisms. The new harvester expands the OBWB program’s ability to continue to manage invasive Eurasian watermilfoil in the Okanagan in areas that were previously difficult to access.

Read all about the launch event:

New Boat Launch Stencils Bring Invasive Mussel Prevention Messaging Directly to Boaters 

The Don’t Move a Mussel program installed new, first-of-its-kind boat launch stencils in Peachland and West Kelowna, placing invasive mussel prevention messages where boaters are most likely to see them. The pilot project, developed in partnership with the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society and Okanagan local governments, aims to encourage boaters to take simple actions that help protect Okanagan waters from invasive mussels. Options to expand the pilot throughout the Okanagan are being explored.

Okanagan Shares Recent Work at National Water Conference

OBWB’s work in advancing science, environmental monitoring, and information management was highlighted through a pair of presentations at this year’s Canadian Water Resources Association’s national conference in Winnipeg. Water Stewardship Director, Dr. Nelson Jatel, delivered presentations on how social network analysis can inform communications in water management and another presentation about the OBWB's operational stream-temperature monitoring and forecasting.



The conference also provided opportunities to promote the upcoming Environmental Flows 2026 Conference and strengthen relationships with national water leaders and potential funding partners.

Presentation Highlights Role of Data in Watershed Planning and Water Management



The Board received a presentation from City of Kelowna Utility Services Department Manager Rod MacLean on how integrated water monitoring and data analysis supports the city’s drought management and water planning.

MacLean also highlighted the growing challenge of maintaining and replacing aging municipal water infrastructure, noting the importance of long-term planning and the upcoming need for senior government investments for the provincial infrastructure in the Okanagan Lake Regulation System.

Low Lake Levels and Groundwater Conditions Reflect Ongoing Multi-Year Drought

The Board received updated data showing that drought conditions remain severe across the Okanagan. June precipitation was well below normal, continuing the low-rain trend from the spring, and many streams are flowing at reduced levels. Lake levels in Okanagan and Kalamalka were highlighted as exceptionally low for this time of year, while groundwater monitoring across the Okanagan shows many wells at record or near-record lows, reflecting the cumulative impacts of multiple years of drought.

Okanagan residents are reminded to check their local watering restrictions from your water provider to save water for fish, food, and firefighting efforts.

Dr. Tom Siddon Remembered by OBWB

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Dr. Tom Siddon, founding Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s technical advisory body, the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council.

Dr. Siddon helped establish the collaborative, science-informed, and deeply respectful approach that continues to guide the Council today. He was the right person at the right time, and his influence is still felt.

Dr. Siddon brought a remarkable life to that table. Born in Drumheller and trained as a mechanical engineer at the University of Alberta, Dr. Siddon served in Parliament from 1978 to 1993, including as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. He later made his home in Kaleden, serving as a School District 67 trustee and RDOS Area D director. Throughout his life, he remained grounded, curious, and quick with a grin.

On behalf of OBWB and our water community, we extend our condolences to his wife, Pat, their five children, and their grandchildren.



His contributions to water stewardship in this valley will not be forgotten.



At the July Board Meeting, Directors heard updates on the Make Water Work campaign, including new video content featuring local community voices and updated conservation messaging that will roll out on social media this summer. Staff also highlighted ongoing efforts to encourage water conservation across the region as drought and water scarcity concerns continue.

The 2026 Make Water Work pledge numbers as of July 9, 2026.

20^th Anniversary of the OBWB Water Management Program

💧 Celebrate 20 years of the Water Management Program

🗓️ Friday, Sept. 11, 2026

📍Kelowna – Manteo at Eldorado Resort

🎯 3762 Lakeshore Rd.

ℹ️ More information coming soon.

Environmental Flows Conference 2026

💧 Co-hosted by the Okanagan Basin Water Board, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, and Canadian Water Resources Association. A national gathering for water science, policy, and practice.

🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

📍Kelowna – Coast Capri Hotel

🎯 1171 Harvey Ave.

ℹ️ Early bird registration now open.

North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Sypmosium

💧 Swimming Upstream: Tackling Environmental Challenges through Partnership, Innovation, & Science

🗓️ Nov. 2 - 6, 2026

📍Kelowna

ℹ️ Early bird registration now open.

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