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 commit to actively participating 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 waterwise 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 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 choose plants suited to the Okanagan’s 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 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 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 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 Protect What Matters:

You commit to making everyday choices in your yard that help protect what matters most across the Okanagan: our water, our homes, and our communities. By using water wisely and choosing FireSmart™ plants, you help reduce wildfire risk while conserving water for fish, food, fire protection, and farming. These small, intentional actions add up to help build a more resilient Okanagan.

Find water regulations specific to your utility in the Okanagan