Watersheds are essential to life. The RDKB carries out watershed planning to keep our waterways and ecosystems healthy so people and all the organisms we share our region with can thrive in the Kootenay Boundary.

Boundary Integrated Watershed Service (BIWS)

Water conservation and effective water management are necessary to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of the entire Kettle River Watershed.  The watershed is indeed an integrated ecological and hydrological system, and so our service, too, is integrated to include a variety of regional partners.

The Boundary Integrated Watershed Service was established in 2018 and is responsible for:

• Implementing the goals and actions laid out in the Kettle River Watershed Management Plan 
• Coordinating projects to benefit all Boundary watersheds including the West Kettle and Kettle Rivers; Boundary Creek; the Granby River; Christina Lake and portions of Electoral Area ‘E’/West Boundary in the Okanagan watershed.

The Kettle River Watershed Advisory Council

 The Kettle River Watershed Advisory Council advises the RDKB on:

• Implementation of priorities and strategies in watershed related plans
• Response to drought
• Watershed projects
• Specialized expertise when required

The Council is an RDKB committee in partnership with Boundary stewardship groups, agriculture, forestry, industry, mining, stewardship groups, tourism and recreation groups, water purveyors, First Nations, other levels of government, and stakeholders with an interest or expertise in local watersheds.

Interested in knowing more? See our current projects at jointheconversation.rdkb.com.