Saving Swan Lake's water

Photo: Google Maps

It's hoped that every drop of water from Swan Lake will be used wisely in future.

The communities of Spallumcheen and Armstrong, Okanagan Indian Band and North Okanagan Regional District areas, B and C are partnering to develop a master water recovery plan for Swan Lake's commercial corridor.

A key goal when developing a sewer system will be to use treated waste water for irrigation.

“Every drop of water that can be recovered will help with drought mitigation,” said Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown.

“With our region recently experiencing severe drought conditions, the timing of this project is perfect.”

“The partnership serves two purposes,” said Electoral Area B director Bob Fleming. “It provides an opportunity to preserve Swan Lake , its surrounding wetlands, and species which live in these areas.”

“It also provides opportunities for economic development,” Fleming added.

Chief Byron Louis of the OKIB said the band is in the preliminary stages of designating land for lease.

He welcomed working with local governments.

“It's great to be working with our neighbours,” said Louis.

“More funding opportunities arise when small governments stop competing for provincial and federal grant dollars and start collaborating.”

The underlying principal will be “no waste water – water is a resource,” said a news release.

An engineering consultant has been hired to come up with a plan for the project.