Water Management and Climate Change in the Okanagan Water Basin is a comprehensive study edited by Stewart Cohen and Tanuja Kulkarni. This study was conducted in conjunction with Environment Canada and the University of British Columbia. The sponsoring agency was the Climate Change Action Fund of Natural Resources Canada.

The Okanagan has been experiencing rapid population growth, many land use changes, and associated stresses on its water resource systems. The authors of this study recognized a need to broaden the dialogue on adaptation to these changes.

The executive summary reads, in part, "This study has two main goals: to identify climate change impacts and possible adaptation strategies for the Okanagan region AND to test an approach for engaging resource managers and regional stakeholders as collaborators in research and dialogue on climate change impacts and adaptation."

This study offers a wealth of information, including population figures, climate observations, hydrological data, and focus group results.

Water Demand in the Okanagan Water Basin

A 2005 thesis paper entitled Impacts of Climate Change and Population Growth on Water Demand in the Okanagan Water Basin provides an excellent read of current and projected supply versus demand water scenarios. This paper suggests that, " in the absence of additional demand management or changes in housing densities, the region can expect, at a minimum, a doubling of water demand by 2069." Further, the author projects that, "in cases where future demand was compared to licensed supply, scenarios with medium or high population growth, current preferences in housing, and current demand management regimes, exceeded licensed supplies in the 2050's, indicating a need for reduced demand or increased allocations in the future."

Comparisons, case studies and cost analysis are given for cities and towns up and down the valley. Best and worst case scenarios, summaries of water savings options, and currrent trend versus Smart Growth comparisons are explored.

This paper is well worth reading and offers compelling research and reason to re-examine our current water practices.

Climate Change Study by World Wildlife Fund

A recent study by the World Wildlife Fund reviewed the likely impacts of a two degree global increase in temperature. The study warns that, "although Canada has extensive water resources, even a moderate amount of climate change will impact water flows in the Great Lakes and the Athabasca River enough to reduce hydro-electricity production in Ontario and oil sands development in Alberta."

Read a summary of the the study at ctv.ca.

Water Supply and Public Private Partnerships

There is an increase in what is commonly referred to as "P3's" or Public Private Partnerships in the water supply and management in Canadian Municipalities. This increased involvemtent has not been without controversy. On the one hand, these partnerships offer much needed financing opportunities. Opponents contend there is often a loss of accountability, service and environmental quality.

A UBC briefing note by Karen Bakker offers a concise summary of the forms of private sector involvement in Canadian water supply utilities and outlines some key issues for Canadians to consider.

Her report is entitled, Canada and the New American Empire, Water Supply Privatization
The bibliography refers to many useful links and further publications exploring this issue, such as the National Guide to Sutainable Municipal Infrastructure.