Water Stewardship Information Sources
| ID | 334 |
|---|---|
| Citation | Chilibeck, B and Matthews, S. 2004. Southern Interior Drought Management Workshop Report, March 2-3, 2004, Penticton, BC. BC Ministry of Environment. |
| Organization | Ministry of Environment |
| URL | http://www.livingwatersmart.ca/drought/docs/si_workshop.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | The Southern Interior Drought Management Workshop gave an opportunity for people who manage water and fisheries to examine and discuss issues and experiences of the 2003 drought. The perspectives, issues and concerns were varied, but a general consensus on the need for elements of improved planning, better resource information and improved water management systems was apparent. The workshop provided some interesting hindsight into the climactic and water resource issues preceding the drought and a valuable review of current drought indicators in the province. It underscored the requirement for more current water and fisheries resource information, but also a system for analysis and dissemination of the information to resources agency managers, water users and purveyors, and the public. The experiences and outcomes of the 2003 drought led to the review of several situations in local watersheds of how the drought was managed. In the context of future regional or local drought management plans, these experiences provide potential examples of drought management models that could be broadly reviewed and adapted for the future. One model is a stewardship model, that emphasizes communication to individual water users through public contact and interaction. Fisheries resources and risks are identified and conservation goals are addressed though education and information. In the Salmon River basin, this model was used to address water conservation and fisheries resource needs over a wide area with many dispersed water users. Fisheries resource issues in the basin are relatively well know and valued, and stewardship is an important activity in fish and fish habitat management. A second model might be considered the single supplier model, where water is supplied from a single purveyor or supply source to a water distribution system. The supplier controls and manages the supply and has the ability to modify water use and demand through management actions. In the SEKID supply system, the ability to modify demand through water rates proved key to reducing consumption and conserving water for the single source supply system. It highlighted the potential effectiveness of demand management on a larger scale - potentially to other licences. A third model is based on the provincial Water Use Planning process. Largely a licenseeinitiated exercise, the process provides a structured review and analysis of resource values, trade-off analysis and determination of potential benefits and costs through operational changes or other measures. In the Trout Creek watershed, this model is being used with MWLAP, DFO and the District of Summerland. The process will investigate longstanding water and fish resource conflicts and seek mutually acceptable conditions that could improve water flows for fish. Each of these models have strengths and short comings: resource information and data, costs, flexibility, time requirements, adaptability, etc. However, they highlight the fact the practical issue of regional drought planning and management is underway - largely due to commitment and determination of individuals or small groups. With improved resource information and management tools, political support and resources, cooperation and flexibility, it is likely that watershed or supply system-based drought management plans can be developed. drought, fisheries, aquatic habitat, water supply, climate change |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | All |
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| Project status | complete |
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