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We’re concerned, but we’re prepared should a drought season hit the Okanagan this summer, said Glen Lucas, General Manager for the Kelowna BC Fruit Growers’ Association.
According to Greig Bethel from the River Forecast Centre, snowpack levels and consequential water levels are marked as a record low in May of 2015 for the Okanagan. Coming in at 57 per cent of normal, water levels have not been this low in the Okanagan since 1985.
Considering a dry summer is a strong possibility, Lucas from the BC Fruit Growers’ Association said drought preparations are underway to ensure sustainable growth throughout the summer.
“There needs to be a multi-year drought for there to be significant crop loss,” explained Lucas. “For only one year of drought, it might include some crop loss, but it’s very rare and it’s never happened before.”
They’re still holding out for a rainy June, but should the rain remain at bay, the Association is working with local authorities to construct drought management plans.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com
Aside from constructing drought management plans, the BC Fruit Growers' Association has also made the move to a more modern version of irrigation that successfully conserves water. Interestingly, the modern irrigation system is primarily used in exceptionally dry climates, such as Israel.
Aside from utilizing modern technology, Lucas stressed that for water conservation to succeed, there needs to be a shift in the public’s mind set.
“There’s a lot of green lawns in Kelowna,” commented Lucas.
In this particular case, resource management begins from the residential and industrial level: from your home’s front lawn to the local golf course, every bit of water conservation will benefit our local farmers later down the road.
However, should drought conditions persist, Lucas said they’re prepared to deal with the heat and keep the Okanagan’s fresh supply of fruit growing.
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