Water Use

Resources related to water use include tools and guides on the management of water resources, information on hydrology, relevant organizations and other resources pertaining to adaptation and water resources.

Preparing for Climate Change in the Fraser Basin: How Can Our Water Management Systems Adapt?

2006 – Fraser Basin Council

In 2006 the Fraser Basin Council hosted a workshop on water management and climate change adaptation in BC. The event was designed to assist people throughout the Fraser Basin as they examined water-related impacts of climate change and developed local adaptation plans. Participants worked through a hypothetical water crisis scenario set in the year 2030, and worked in small groups to identify solutions to priority impacts. Environmental, governance, economic and social adaptation strategies were discussed. Participants found that climate change is one of many factors stressing water systems, that stakeholders can be a part of proactive solutions and that trust is a key factor in water management.

Go to Resource: www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/programs/climate_workshop.html

University of Victoria, Water and Climate Impacts Research Centre, National Water Research Institute

2006 – Water and Climate Impacts Research Centre, University of Victoria

The Water and Climate Impacts Centre is based at the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. Research by this group focuses on the hydrologic and ecological impacts of climate change and variability. The group examines issues related to water and climate change adaptation such as floods, droughts, groundwater, forest hydrology, lake heat and lake energy budgets.

Go to Resource: http://w-circ.uvic.ca/english/index.php

Participatory Integrated Assessment of Water Management and Climate Change in the Okanagan Basin

2009 – S. Cohen and T. Neale (Editors), Environment Canada & University of BC

Researchers from the University of British Columbia spent years working with local stakeholders in the Okanagan area and other partners in an interdisciplinary project to investigate climate change and impacts on water supply and water demand in the area. The study provides an overview of the issues and outlines many possible adaptation solutions that can be implemented as well as expected savings of both water and expense. Both agricultural and domestic (inside and outside) water use trends and projections are examined and there is an explanation of a decision support model to help identify appropriate solutions. There is discussion of residential water demand, residential design and agricultural water use.

Go to Resource: http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/Portals/97/docs/OKPIA_2004-06_FinalReport_HiRes.pdf

Water Conservation Calculator

Online Tool - 2010 - Government of British Columbia

The Water Conservation Calculator is a free, web-based decision support tool designed primarily for water managers in small to medium-sized communities. A user who has compiled community water system data can test a variety of water conservation strategies. This tool can help communities fulfil the requirements of some provincial capital grant programs.

Go to Resource: www.waterconservationcalculator.com