Highlights from the June 2, 2026 meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, held at the offices of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

A Little Rain, But Not Enough: Okanagan In Drought

While recent rainfall has provided some short-term relief, OBWB’s latest hydrology update confirms that drought concerns remain across the Okanagan.

Long-term precipitation deficits, record-early snowpack melt, and below-average stream flows mean water supplies are still under pressure heading into summer. Ongoing water conservation will be essential to protect communities, agriculture, and aquatic ecosystems as dry conditions continue to shape the season.

Every Okanagan water supplier has a unique situation and differing triggers for water restrictions, and the importance of citizens looking to their own water supplier for the most current information was a subject of discussion at the meeting.

Presentation Highlights Vital Connection Between Groundwater and Stream Health

Board Directors received a technical presentation from Chani Welch, hydrogeologist with the Okanagan Nation Alliance on the critical connection between Mission Creek, groundwater, and long-term water sustainability.

The presentation emphasized the vital, but hidden role groundwater plays in the Okanagan Basin in maintaining streamflow, supporting fish habitat, and sustaining water supply, especially during extended dry periods. Research and monitoring underway, in partnership with OBWB, is helping build a more complete understanding of these interconnected systems to inform future water management decisions in a changing climate.

We’ve Got a Winner (or two) — But You’ll Have to Wait for the Big Reveal

After hundreds of creative submissions from across the region, OBWB Directors have officially selected the winning name for the Water Board’s newest invasive milfoil harvester — but the public will have to wait just a little longer to hear it.

The name will be unveiled at a special public launch event this summer, where residents and media are invited to join in the celebration and see the harvester at work. The contest drew strong community participation, highlighting the Okanagan’s shared investment in protecting local lakes and shorelines from invasive milfoil. The winning entrants will be contacted ahead of the event, where the harvester’s name will be revealed and the winners will get a ride on the new harvester

Milfoil Harvesting Planned for Duck Lake Thanks to New Amphibious Equipment



For the first time in decades, OBWB’s milfoil control program will operate in Duck Lake, made possible by the addition of the new amphibious harvester that was added to the Invasive Milfoil Control fleet in 2025 that can access areas previously out of reach.

The work will be especially timely with the BC Summer Games set to take place in the community, including the Towed Water Sports event which will see 48 competing athletes using Duck Lake.

OBWB Receives Clean Audit, Approves 2025 Financial Statements

The Board received and approved its annual audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025, with the external auditor issuing a clean opinion and confirming no significant deficiencies. The results reflect OBWB’s continued commitment to transparent financial management in delivering programs and services across the Okanagan.

At the June Board Meeting, Osoyoos Mayor and OBWB Director Sue McKortoff challenged fellow Directors — and their communities — to step up and Take the Pledge in the Make Water Work campaign.

As the 2025 Champion Community, the Town of Osoyoos is once again leading the way early in the 2026 season. With the campaign now live through October, residents across the Okanagan are encouraged to join in, show their community pride, and help conserve water during another critical summer. With the season just getting underway, there’s plenty of time for communities across the Okanagan to rise in the rankings and show their Water Smart community pride.

The 2026 Make Water Work pledge statistics as of June 4, 2026.

Indigenous Youth Art Contest

Environmental Flows Conferece Logo Design Contest Open Now!

💧 This contest invites Indigenous youth artists ages 14 - 30 from the Okanagan and broader Syilx territory, to offer a visual expression of what it means for siwłk to move freely, and what is lost when it cannot.

🗓️ Now open

🎨Contest closes July 9, 2026



⏳Prize: $500 plus two expert artist coaching sessions with Evelyn Alec, Syilx artist, and 100% of the profits made from the sale of prints at the conference. 



Say Hi to OBWB at the LGMA in Penticton

💧The OBWB will be hosting a booth at the upcoming Local Government Management Association Conference (LGMA)

🗓️ June 9 - 11, 2026

📍Penticton - Trade and Convention Centre

🎯 273 Power St.

Flower Power - Kelowna Garden Tour

💧 A self-guided tour of eight stunning gardens across Kelowna and West Kelowna. Meet local artisans, gather expert gardening advice, and enjoy a day filled with creativity and inspiration.

🗓️ Saturday, June 20, 2026

⏰9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

📍Kelowna, West Kelowna

🎯 8 stops on the tour

New Date for the 20^th Anniversary of the OBWB Water Management Program

💧 Celebrate 20 years of the Water Management Program

🗓️ Friday, Sept. 11, 2026

📍Kelowna – Manteo at Elderado 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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