The Friends of Kootenay Lake are starting the third and final year of a three-year water quality monitoring program in the West Arm this week. The study will provide important baseline data for one of the highest populated portions of the lake and encourage a broader and deeper understanding the lake’s ecosystem, the group said in a news release.
In the first two years 10,200 data points were captured while over 50 volunteers were provided one-on-one training.
The plan is to monitor by boat 12 times between May and October for a variety of things, including chlorophyll, turbidity, total nitrogen, temperature, and water clarity.
They are also teaming up with the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee to monitor for zebra and quagga mussels, aquatic invasive species that pose a threat to many freshwater systems in BC including Kootenay Lake.
Want to get involved with our program? Join them on the boat to try your hand at water quality monitoring. Check friendsofkootenaylake.ca for dates.