Water | outdoorsokanagan

A Precious Resource

The Okanagan water basin is a fjord with many lakes and tributary streams that make it the large, unexplored depths of an ecosystem we need to gain a knowledge of. We are all reliable on this precious resource in so many aspects of our lives we fail to sometimes see the importance of what's lurking beneath the surface while we admire the shoreline.

An amazing resource has been created by local water specialist, Raphael Nowak, entitled Okanagan Lake: An illustrated exploration above and below the waters. This is the most in-depth research available and we highly recommend supporting these local studies.

"Geologically, Okanagan Lake is an inland fjord, sitting in the bed of a dramatic slip fault. The energy of its push to the east can be seen in the ridge above Okanagan Lake Park, lifted up nearly 90 degrees, the uplifted sea beds of Vernon, and the cores of a chain of stratovolcanoes that vented the pressure from these collisions."

Clubs & Organizations

There are many organizations working in various ways to help protect Okanagan Lake. The Okanagan Basin Waterboard is the best resource for keeping the public up to date on water restrictions and boil water advisories. The Institute for Underwater Research has phenomenal local studies we are going to connect you with.
Pollutants, invasive species, and invasive plants are just a few of examples for the need to protect our water!

“The Okanagan Nation has accepted the unique responsibility bestowed upon us by the Creator to serve for all time as protectors of the lands and waters in our territories, so that all living things return to us regenerated. When we take care of the land and water, the land and water takes care of us. This is our law.”

Syilx Water Declaration excerpt