Petition! Vernon’s main drinking water source is under threat!
SPrKL Press Release
January 12th, 2024
Vernon’s main drinking water source is under threat!
Kalamalka Lake is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters. It fills the hearts and drinking glasses of locals and travelers alike.
As summarized in Infotel's insightful article, a very large septic system for more than 200 people (equivalent to 50 homes on septic in one spot!) is proposed for a gravel deposit within 35 to 40 meters of Coldstream Creek at 10080 Ricardo Road, Coldstream, BC. Gravel deposits are porous. Greater Vernon Water has raised the alarm on the threat to Kalamalka Lake drinking water from spills and leaching. However, the Province is refusing to do a proper environmental review as fits the magnitude of the project.
Keep Kal Lake blue! We don’t want more algae blooms, swimmer’s itch, beach closures, E. coli or drinking water restrictions due to excess water nutrients. More nutrients in Coldstream Creek will also cause more algae that will choke the spawning beds of the remaining Kokanee salmon.
Please add your voice to demand that Interior Health (IH) recognize that review by BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) is needed for this large septic system. IH and WLRS must ensure this septic system is properly reviewed so drinking water quality is protected. The septic system should either be moved away from the gravel deposit along the creek or built to the highest standard with ongoing monitoring, as required under the Municipal Wastewater Regulation.
Thank you from the Board of the Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake
Coldstream, BC, Canada