Lake results released: Temperature up, pollution a concern

Water quality objectives will help people protect lake values

Results are in from data collected during the now complete, Lake Windermere Project (LWP).

“The results from five years of water quality monitoring show the lake is in pretty good condition, but we still need to reduce sources of water pollution,” says Kirsten Harma, project coordinator with the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, the group carrying forward with the work of the Lake Windermere Project.

The LWP gathered the data during weekly boat trips, starting in 2005 and ending in 2009. Hundreds of volunteers accompanied LWP staff to collect water samples and take temperature readings. The data was sent to the B.C. Ministry of Environment for scientific analysis and it led to updated water quality objectives for the lake. (The last objectives were drafted in 1985.)

“Water quality objectives are guidelines,” Harma says. “If met, they help protect lake health and preserve essential values such as drinking water, recreation and fishing.”

Harma says the results show high, though acceptable nutrient and turbidity levels, and elevated temperature levels.

“If you combine higher-than-healthy water temperature with too much nutrient loading, you can have rapid algal blooms,” Harma says. “Algae can steal oxygen from the water and choke fish, so it’s something to keep an eye on over future years.”

Harma said unwanted nutrients can alter the balance in the lake. “Things like too much lawn fertilizer can make an impact,” she says. “If it’s running off into the lake, it’s not working to green up a lawn, it’s feeding unwanted algae. It’s pollution.”

Harma says people can help protect the natural values of the lake by supporting the Lake Windermere Ambassadors.

“The ambassadors are a group, yes, but they’re also just people who care about protecting the lake,” Harma says. “If you volunteer to come out with us in a boat on Tuesdays to collect samples, you’re an ambassador. If you’re careful to keep pollution out of the lake, you’re an ambassador.

“You’re an ambassador if you realize how lucky we are to have such good water quality in a lake with so much surrounding development.”

Harma says geography—the continual inflow and outflow of water from the Columbia River—has helped protect water quality in the lake. But, she cautions, “Temperatures are still elevated, and pollution and invasive plants are still a threat. This isn’t a one-shot deal—the ambassadors are continuing to monitor water quality and we urge homeowners to become familiar with the lake’s water quality objectives.”

“Temperature and water quality changes could contribute to the changes we’re seeing in the lake’s ecosystem. With the cause of the burbot fishery collapse still undetermined, and potential changes in aquatic plant growth, further monitoring of temperature and water quality will continue to be important.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors will keep up crucial water quality monitoring and assist local government in implementing the Lake Windermere Management Plan while working towards an ecologically healthy Lake Windermere,” Harma added.

To learn more or get involved, drop by the Lake Windermere Ambassadors office at 709 10^th Street, Invermere.

“You’re always welcome to come in and find out more,” Harma says. “We’ve got lots planned for this year—the regatta, lots of boat trips. We’re gearing up for an active season of lake science.”

—30—

Contact:
Kirsten Harma, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors Program Coordinator

lakewindermereambassadors@gmail.com • 250-341-6898

Lake Windermere Ambassadors • “Healthy Water for Healthy Communities” 

Vision: “To maintain an ecologically healthy Lake Windermere with balanced management approaches that support recreation and traditional uses, high fish and wildlife values, and economic prosperity in the region.”

The ambassadors are a group of citizens from the communities around Lake Windermere that will help keep up crucial water-quality monitoring and provide current, comprehensive and reliable data on Lake Windermere’s ecological status. They will also serve as a resource for future projects benefiting the health of Lake Windermere.

They will work towards an ecologically healthy Lake Windermere, balanced uses of the lake, and will solicit local input into planning and management of the lake and its watershed.