Lake is central to every aspect of life in Osoyoos
We Osoyoos residents don't have to look very hard to see that our lake is a key focus of our lives.
We see evidence almost daily that it is central not just to our recreation and leisure, but also to our economy and our health.
A number of events this past week remind us of the lake's importance.
At its meeting last week, the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society (OLWQS) heard concerns about the ongoing problem of some rural areas not being linked into the sewage system, leaving many of its old septic tanks likely leeching into the lake.
Also, the Times was notified that Penticton may reroute its sewage effluent directly into Skaha Lake, which could have an impact downstream, in Osoyoos Lake.
At the same time, some of the impetus for the unsuccessful effort to expand Osoyoos' town boundaries was to exercise more control over drainage into the lake, and Council is now expressing its concern to the provincial government about the effect of drainage from septic tanks.
And OLWQS Director Lionel Dallas sounded an ominous warning: with the lake's water supply threatened by global warming, the loss of the high-mountain ice-pack, and increasing agricultural use of water from tributaries, there is growing concern about the long-term level of the lake.
The ongoing quality of Osoyoos Lake is crucial “ for our tourism income, our farm and orchard economy, our local businesses, our own recreation and leisure enjoyment, and our physical health. Not just Town Council, but every citizen, should do his or her part to ensure its long-term well-being.
