Why some Okanagan water systems are still independent

Black Mountain is one of a dying breed in the Okanagan. It’s an irrigation district in Kelowna, separate from the local government, making its own decisions with its own budget.

It was once common in the Okanagan, where water systems were initially built by farmers, for the farmers, but then cities like Kelowna and Vernon built around them.

For Black Mountain Irrigation District’s top manager, Bob Hrasko, staying independent means farmers aren’t forgotten.

“That’s happened already in different areas, and what you always need is some agricultural representation. It’s tied to their livelihood, so of course they’re going to care more,” he said.

In the last several years, some of the last remaining irrigation districts have been swallowed up by local governments, like the Glenmore-Ellison and South East Kelowna districts.

Though he didn’t suggest there have been ongoing issues in either region, centralizing water throughout Kelowna, among its several water sources, could leave farmers behind, he said.

“The province wants to see that, but it gets to a point where it’s too big, you lose touch with your customers,” he said. “There’s a balance.”

Should Black Mountain be swallowed up by the city at some point, he suggested there should be an elected body for Kelowna, specifically tasked with overseeing the water utility.

As a drought continues in the region, the district is one of a few areas in the Okanagan with water restrictions early in the season. As of this week, it implemented 10 and 20 per cent water reductions, respectively, for its two zones.

Their massive reservoirs have been able to tie over their customers and soften the blow of the drought.

Elsewhere, there are more severe cutbacks, especially in the North Okanagan where farmers were blindsided by the restrictions.

They’re facing a 70% reduction in water allotments and fruit growers have described it as a dire situation, now lobbying with the regional water authority after the fact. There may be some leniency coming, but Hrasko doesn’t expect much to change.

“If you don’t have the water, you don’t have the water,” he said. “So it probably is a necessary reduction. What they have to figure out is what to do so it doesn’t happen again, and they’ll have to do it quickly.”

Despite the severe drought warnings issued by the province, the irrigation district still has water for the season and, due to existing reservoirs, Hrasko expects Black Mountain should fare well with minor reductions.