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.