General history
The Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society was founded in 1990 by local residents in direct response to a report compiled by Okanagan University College, in which Osoyoos Lake was described as a ‘nutrient cocktail of nitrates and phosphates’.
It is a non-profit, charitable organisation with approximately 100 members throughout Canada and the U.S.
Extensive scientific tests in 1990 showed the lake to be ‘a cocktail of nitrates and phosphates’ and it was graded ‘poor’ out of 124 lakes tested in BC in 1996. With an increase in population and development, and an increase in the use of the Lake, great care must be taken to ensure nothing is ever done to harm its already vulnerable waters and surrounding aquifers.
Mission Statement
Re-establish and maintain the water quality throughout the Okanagan Valley lake system, especially in Osoyoos Lake and area, so that it is suitable for plant and animal life and for human use and consumption, through:
- Monitoring and testing of water quality
- Finding the causes of water pollution and advising the public and the appropriate government departments of our findings
- Educating the public about related issues
- Carrying out lake and waterway "cleanup" projects
- Helping various levels of government in carrying out programs to improve the quality of the environment in the Okanagan Valley lake system
Meetings
Society members and guests meet 3rd Wednesday of each month except July, August and December, at 7:30 pm at the Osoyoos United Church.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings, and we encourage your questions and feedback. Members receive minutes of each meeting via mail or e-mail, and are notified of any special events, news etc.
