We are fortunate that we can largely take the quality of the water in the lake for granted. For many years the lake has taken all we, and other users of the watershed, have thrown at it and still has high quality water. Climate and over use may be bringing us to the end of the free ride.
A 2007 Province of BC study of the lake identified only Forestry and residential septic fields as waste discharges that could cause water quality problems. The board often hears that recreational use can also degrade water quality. This section examines all of these issues.
- Our understanding of water quality in Shawnigan Lake is based on a number of studies done by the Province of BC over the last 30 years and recent testing done by Dr Mazumder of the University of Victoria. Learn more about recent water testing and future plans.
- Water testing has shown that sewage is leaking from septic fields around the lake, particularly with the first big rains each fall. Learn more about the current Liquid Waste Management study.
- The quality of lake water is also affected by watershed development in the private forest lands that occupy much of the watershed. The SRA tracks this activity and represents its members before the CVRD.
- The number of recreational users of the lake and the types of uses also affect water quality. Is it a problem? What should we be doing about it?
