Flactuating lake level is a problem

Dear Editor:

Peachland has taken the lead in seeking a government re-examination of the

Penticton dam control of Okanagan Lake water levels. This is a vital matter that concerns all lakeside communities in the Okanagan, and deserves collaborative pressure for change.

For the last five years, we have seen a control policy that is out of touch with current conditions. This year, in particular, we saw excessive full- pool water flooding dock levels from May through July. After peak, we marked controlled reduction at about one inch per day through late July into August.

Many found boat lifts useless or unsecure with “float-offs” because of high water.

Then came a sudden drop in level of approximately six inches daily in late August, into September.

The result was a grounding of boats in shallow bay areas, forcing quick removal to trailer or dry dock, and the prospect of winter dry base areas in bays along the shore.

For shoreline boat/dock owners, this limits recreational boating use to weeks rather than months on our beautiful lake.

Climate-warming projections indicate we are increasingly at risk for annual flooding. Yet we still follow outdated protocols where we go from flood to dry bottom in rapid sequence.

The multiple, time-worn excuses from those responsible for control of our lake level only add insult to injury.

Certainly, if the quality of “management” over the past five years is measured in moderation of the water level it would not receive a passing grade.

Isn’t it time to remedy this situation ?