Everyone loves Osoyoos Lake. The warm water, sandy beaches, the fishing and boating, and spectacular views entice people from all over the world.  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.

Recycle oils, paints and other toxic household wastes.  Keep toxins and litter away from roadways and storm drains.  Don’t dump swimming pool water, car wash water etc down storm drains.

Use organic alternatives to ‘toxic’ or inorganic fertilisers and pesticides.

Become a member of the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society, or make a donation How?

Create awareness – talk to your kids, neighbours about water conservation and pollution.

Boats with any kind of motor cause noise, pollution, erosion, and safety issues.  Use a canoe or other non-motorised boat. If you must use a boat with a motor, it should be a four-stroke engine. Be careful not to spill or leak oil! …. one drop can contaminate thousands of  litres of water.  Don’t speed, and please watch out for other lake users.  After use, ensure your boat is clean and free of weeds.     

Become a member of the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society, or make a donation.

Be aware of what your septic system is doing. Inspect it at least once a year and pump it out every three years.  Neglect now may cost you thousands of dollars later.

Acquaint yourself with the laws regarding the building of docks and walls along the lakeshore. Both require a permit from the Integrated Land Management Bureau in Kamloops.

Protect fish habitat: Do not remove vegetation within 15 metres of the high water mark (this is the law!)

Conserve water.  Water your garden wisely, or use drought resistant native plants in your garden (xeriscaping). Water is not a renewable resource, and it’s crucial we conserve it now if we want a good supply in the future. 

Don’t feed the geese as their droppings can cause e-coli and other serious diseases. You can discourage them from landing on your waterfront property by erecting a low fence or wire along the line between the beach and your garden, or by growing longer grasses.

Think carefully before building a dock. Docks should be floating, not fixed, and should be made of environment-friendly materials. They can be built parallel to the shoreline (L-shaped) instead of at right angles (T-Shaped).

Use phosphate-free households and cleaners, to reduce the mount of phosphates ending up in the lake.  Ask us for a list of locally available products.

                                          

.... and, most important ....	BE AWARE AND INFORMED!!!
Small abuses of the lake may not seem much, but they do add up