Closed
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI)
Funding for water conservation projects
Last Update: May 26, 2026
Funding available
$ 3,000 - $ 30,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 20, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program supports water conservation and quality improvement projects in the Okanagan Basin. It funds projects such as water efficiency, water quality protection, restoration, monitoring, planning, and education, with grants of $3,000 to $30,000.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Minimum amount : 3,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : February 20, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Drought and flood preparedness
- Education on water conservation or quality improvement
- Irrigation efficiency and leak reduction
- Groundwater studies and water quality assessments
- Restoration of riparian, stream, wetland, or foreshore areas
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Local government letter of support
- Supporting documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Local governments
- First Nations
- Irrigation or improvement districts
- Community and non-profit groups
Who is not eligible
- Provincial and federal agencies
- Consulting firms
- Businesses
- Private water utilities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Bylaw compliance and enforcement programs
- Growth-driven capital projects funded by development cost charges
- Work for private water utilities
- Previously completed projects
- For-profit research and development projects
- Projects outside the Okanagan Basin
Eligible geographic areas
- Okanagan Basin
Selection criteria
- Method appropriate for objectives: 15%
- Outcome on water quality or conservation: 20%
- Basin-wide benefit: 20%
- Use and promotion of best practices: 10%
- Collaboration: 10%
- Budget and timeline: 15%
- Quality of proposal: 10%
- Annual theme bonus: up to 10%
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the program guide
- Read the WCQI guide and confirm the project is eligible.
- Step 2: Complete application materials
- Fill out the WCQI application form.
- Prepare any supporting documents.
- Obtain the required local government letter of support.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Submit the completed application through the WCQI online portal.
- Make sure the application, letter of support, and supporting documents are included.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and ranked by OBWB staff against the selection criteria.
- Final funding decisions are approved by the OBWB Board of Directors.
- Applicants may receive full funding, partial funding, or no funding.
- Successful applicants receive a contribution agreement to sign and return.
Additional information
- Annual theme projects can receive up to 10 bonus points.
- Projects may receive full or partial funding.
- A contribution agreement must be signed before funds are paid.
- Recipients must submit progress and final reports.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Program
What is the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI)?
This program supports water conservation and quality improvement projects in the Okanagan Basin. It funds projects such as water efficiency, water quality protection, restoration, monitoring, planning, and education, with grants of $3,000 to $30,000.
How much funding can be received?
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) program?
To be eligible for the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) program, you must:
Water conservation or quality improvement project.
Local government support required.
Aligned with local water objectives.
What expenses are eligible under Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI)?
Drought and flood preparedness
Education on water conservation or quality improvement
Irrigation efficiency and leak reduction
Groundwater studies and water quality assessments
Restoration of riparian, stream, wetland, or foreshore areas
Who can I contact for more information about the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI)?
You can contact Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Where is the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) available?
The Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) is a Grant and Funding