A pilot project tested communications materials for improving the transfer of data-driven and timely information about water supply to Okanagan producers.
During the 2017 growing season, two water purveyors – Greater Vernon Water and City of Penticton – took part in the pilot project. The project developed, tested and assessed new communications messages and mechanisms between purveyors and their agricultural water users.
Agricultural producers could register to receive electronic communications messages from their water provider via email, text message or voice message.
The 2017 project report describes project activities and includes sample materials – a communications checklist and key messages document – that were developed to assist purveyors with developing and sending out communications.
The 2019 report discusses the project expansion to include up to 10 more water suppliers. A baseline analysis of water suppliers in the Okanagan was completed to assess which would benefit the most from this project and should be invited to participate. Criteria were selected to screen the water suppliers. A data and mapping analysis was done using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software.
