Let’s Make Water Work and Plant FireSmart™, Okanagan!

From Armstrong to Osoyoos, Okanagan citizens know that taking the Make Water Work Pledge is a great way to show commitment and take action towards a more water-efficient and fire-ready region. Adopting water-efficient practices and planting FireSmart™ not only helps make our region fire-resilient, but also saves you money, time and effort.

Now It’s Your Turn To Take The Pledge

  • Let’s make things interesting.

    Whichever community collects the most pledges per capita will win the prestigious title of MAKE WATER WORK CHAMPION COMMUNITY.

    Some people try to win the Cup. This is better. Get your community involved and earn your bragging rights.
  • Please choose your community
  • Find past champions here. To view full contest rules click here.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Thanks to all those who pledged:

  • ALL
  • Armstrong
  • Kelowna
  • West Kelowna/Westbank First Nation
  • Vernon
  • Penticton/Penticton Indian Band
  • Lake Country
  • Spallumcheen
  • Coldstream
  • Peachland
  • Summerland
  • Oliver
  • Osoyoos
  • RDOS
  1. Nick MartyOsoyoos
  2. Teresa MartyOsoyoos
  3. Lieza MunckhofOliver
  4. Pam PetersonRDOS
  5. DonLake Country
  6. Gisele JeanKelowna
  7. Jan JohnstonKelowna
  8. Oliver and District Heritage SocietyOliver
  9. Trevor AmosOliver
  10. Kelly MercerOliver
  11. Petra VeintimillaOliver
  12. Faryn JanzenOliver
  13. NicOliver
  14. Lena HallOliver
  15. Shannon GrataOliver
  16. Kai KaplanOliver
  17. Connie MagoffinOliver
  18. Megan MartinOliver
  19. Dave MattesOliver
  20. Earl ZingerOliver
  21. Maklen ZingerOliver
  22. Melanie ZingerOliver
  23. Martin JohansenOliver
  24. Aimee GriceOliver
  25. Harriet LougheedOliver
  26. Teri LougheedOliver
  27. Brian LougheedOliver
  28. Fiona WeinerOliver
  29. Ash RegnerOliver
  30. Kimberly LangeOliver
  31. Rochelle LougheedOliver
  32. Wayne AndersonOliver
  33. Caitlyn BennettOliver
  34. Brieanne MaderOliver
  35. Nadia WilsonOliver
  36. Reid LinklaterPenticton/Penticton Indian Band
  37. Rob RobinsonSummerland
  38. Hannah SmithKelowna
  39. Stacy LiitleOsoyoos
  40. Leannastevenot@hotmail.comOsoyoos
  41. Shannon MillerOsoyoos
  42. Kara BurtonOsoyoos
  43. Carmen KocsisWest Kelowna/Westbank First Nation
  44. Tara LockerbyOsoyoos
  45. John BlashkoOsoyoos
  46. Gwyenith BruceOliver
  47. Adrienne FedrigoRDOS
  48. Edith ReardonKelowna
  49. Jasmine calistoOsoyoos
  50. Denise BlashkoOsoyoos
  51. Yvea ZaelsKelowna
  52. Sigrie KendrickKelowna
  53. Carmen WeldWest Kelowna/Westbank First Nation
  54. Amanda BurnettPenticton/Penticton Indian Band

SHARE — CHALLENGE YOUR OKANAGAN FRIENDS & FAMILY TO TAKE THE PLEDGE!

Number of Pledges by Region

Pledge and help your community win the Make Water Work Championship Title in the Okanagan! Find past winners here

Learn about taking the Make Water Work Pledge in the Okanagan

Why take the Pledge?

As Okanagan residents, we cherish the beauty and bounty of our region, and a vital part of that is our water. From Kalamalka to Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, our water resources are essential for our lifestyle, agriculture, and environment. Taking the Make Water Work Pledge is a simple yet powerful way for every Okanagan resident to actively participate in water conservation. By committing to practical water-saving actions, you directly contribute to the long-term health of our lakes and streams, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Join your neighbours and become a water-wise Okanagan community member.

About the Okanagan Make Water Work Pledges

When you… pledge to only water your lawn between dusk and dawn:

You maximize your Okanagan water conservation efforts by pledging to water your lawn during the cooler hours of dusk or dawn. This simple step significantly reduces water loss due to evaporation under the hot Okanagan sun, ensuring your lawn receives the hydration it needs while contributing to a waterwise Okanagan community.

When you… pledge to water plants, not pavement:

You become a mindful water user in the Okanagan by pledging to direct your watering efforts towards your plants and gardens, not onto driveways, sidewalks, or other paved surfaces. This targeted approach minimizes water waste and ensures that our valuable Okanagan water is used efficiently to nourish your landscaping.

When you… pledge to mow smart – not too low, not too high.

You commit to a healthy lawn that balances water retention and FireSmart principles. Mow as needed to keep grass within 2-3 inches long to retain water, but don’t allow the grass to get longer than 4 inches for a FireSmart yard. But you don’t need a ruler! This typically means mowing more frequently in spring and fall, and less in summer.

When you… pledge to plant FireSmart plants:

You help protect your home and community from wildfire while conserving water. FireSmart™ plants are both drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for Okanagan landscapes. By choosing plants that resist fire and thrive in dry conditions, your yard becomes a beautiful, protective space that works harder for your family and the region.

When you… pledge to choose waterwise landscaping practices like xeriscaping and clover lawns:

You commit to a smarter, more sustainable approach to gardening and landscape management. Xeriscaping and clover lawns require less water, less maintenance, and still offer vibrant, functional spaces for your home. By embracing these practices, you’re supporting a greener future for the Okanagan and showing that beautiful yards don’t have to be thirsty ones.

When you… pledge to choose plants suitable to our dry climate:

You embrace the natural beauty of the Okanagan and conserve water by pledging to select drought-tolerant plants for your garden and landscaping. Choosing plants adapted to our dry climate reduces the need for supplemental irrigation, making your garden more sustainable and contributing to overall Okanagan water conservation.

When you… pledge to tune up your irrigation:

You ensure your irrigation system is operating efficiently and minimizing water waste by pledging to regularly inspect and tune it up. Checking for leaks, adjusting sprinkler heads, and using timers effectively can significantly reduce your water consumption and contribute to a waterwise Okanagan.

When you… pledge to aerate your lawn and top dress with compost:

You improve your lawn’s water absorption and retention by pledging to aerate and top dress with compost. Aeration creates pathways for water and nutrients to reach the roots, while compost enriches the soil and helps it hold moisture. This natural approach to lawn care reduces the need for frequent watering and supports Okanagan water conservation.

Find water regulations specific to your utility in the Okanagan