Concerns still exist about potential contamination of Okanagan Lake.
The Okanagan Indian Band is still monitoring a sewage discharge and blue/green algae bloom in the north arm of the lake.
“We’re quite concerned about anyone swimming,” said Chief Byron Louis.
Results indicate a combination of high organic material (sewage output), grass, leaves, burlap, sand and dead animals.
A number of factors increase the presence of blue/green algae: Higher than normal temperatures, changing water levels and the increase of nutrients making their way into the watershed from fertilizers and sewage runoff.
Residents are urged not to go into the water or have contact with the water, do not drink the water and do not eat fish caught where there is a blue/green algae bloom.
“It will take awhile for the issue to settle out,” said Louis.
Potential sources of the sewer are septic fields overwhelmed by a rising Okanagan Lake as well as from Deep Creek, which drains into the lake.
Louis believes the band needs to meet with its membership about how to handle septic close to the lake.
“We want to discuss closed containment tanks. It’s for health and safety and that’s important,” he said.
