To the editor:
Re: Cabin Owners Want Clean Water Too, Feb. 15 Capital News.
At its February meeting, the Okanagan Water Board reconfirmed its opposition to the sale of leased lots on upper-watershed drinking water reservoirs—a position also held by Okanagan local governments, First Nations, and the B.C. Water Supply Association.
Drinking water is a precious and limited resource in our valley, one of the most arid regions in British Columbia. Climate change and population growth increase pressure on water quantity and quality. Retaining public ownership of lands surrounding drinking water reservoirs supports local governments and water suppliers by providing important management tools to maintain sufficient storage and reduce risks to water quality.
The water board is also concerned about water in the main valley lakes and streams.
The recent article in the Capital News, referred to above, contained a statement from a board member that touched first on reservoir lot concerns, and then summarized a range of issues that were discussed at the board meeting, including the marina proposal for Wood Lake, houseboat communities docked on Okanagan Lake, and shoreline development on valley lakes.
The water board is working to help local communities plan for a water sustainable future. Managing our precious water supplies today, while keeping in mind future water needs, requires commitment and participation by everyone in the Okanagan.
Brian Given,
chair, Okanagan Basin Water Board,
Kelowna