Seven Generation Sustainability is a traditional First Nations concept that asks decision makers to look as how our actions today will impact the next seven generations. Looking around the Okanagan it's hard for some of us to believe that water is scarce. The reality is however, that despite our abundance of lakes, we have the lowest per-capita water supply in Canada. Most of our water comes from the seasonal snow pack in upstream lakes and streams. Conserving water is a necessity to guarantee that we have enough water now and in the future, for our children and grandchildren.

Water is a natural resource but only one percent of the entire water supply in the world is available for people to use. The rest is glacial or salt water. Of that one percent, we drink very little. Most is used to water lawns, run washing machines or is flushed down toilets and drains. A recent survey of Canadians, published by the research firm Ipsos Reid, shows that Canadians still have a way to go when it comes to conserving water. A lot of effort goes into treating water for drinking and household uses, but there's a cost attached - paid for on taxes and water utility bills. Reliable, clean water is possible only when source water is collected, treated and distributed according to Interior Health and provincial regulations.

Brenda Lake

Brenda Lake

Brenda Lake is located about 30 km. (19 mi.) northwest of the town of Peachland up Princeton Avenue. Turn left, just before the mine (a sign says to Brenda & MacDonald Lakes) and drive for 5 km. (3 mi.). Turn left again and drive for 1 km. (.6 mi). Brenda is located on your right. The lake is situated at an elevation of 1646 m, is approximately 22 ha (54.3 acres) in size and has a depth of about 6 m (20 ft). It is stocked with Rainbow Trout. The lake may be iced over November to mid-May

Glen Lake

Glen Lake

Glen Lake is approximately 1,144 elevation, 14 m depth and 1.8 km perimeter.

McDonald Lake

McDonald Lake is a small, shallow lake situated northwest of the Brenda Mine and upstream of it. Lake water is slightly alkaline and relatively soft, with low levels of trace metals. Lake sediments were found to be elevated in cadmium and copper. This is thought to be related to mineralization in the area. Although the lake has been stocked in the past with Rainbow trout, only brook trout were captured during a study of the lake.

Peachland Lake

Peachland Lake has a surface area of approximately 109 Ha. Its outlet is dammed and releases from it to the lower reaches of Peachland Creek are controlled.

Peachland Lake water is relatively soft, with low levels of trace metals. Two species of fish, Rainbow trout and Longnose suckers, are in Peachland Lake. The lake is stocked each year with 3,000 yearling rainbow trout.

Peachland Lake

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is located about 9 km west of Peachland.

The Silver Lake Forestry Centre was originally opened in 1971 under the management of the British Columbia Forestry Association and it has been in continuous use since that time. In 1996 the Silver Lake Forest Education Society was formed and on October 1, 1996 the society took over the ownership and management of the centre. The camp provides recreational and educational opportunities for children and adults from all over the world. In the months of September through to June, the camp is open to local schools and special interest groups. During the summer months of July and August the camp is reserved for summer campers aged 7-16.

The Silver Lake Forest Education Society is a non-profit society offering year-round, hands-on, outdoor experience for youth, adults and educators. Sustainable forest management is emphasized through recreational activities and educational programs are designed to broaden the understanding of the forest resource.

To get to the camp at Silver Lake, drive up Princeton Ave 5 km to the cattle guard, continue another 6 km where you will see the Headwaters Junction. Go right and travel 4 km to the "Welcome to Silver Lake Camp" sign on the Right side of the road. Follow the driveway 1 km to the main gate.

Peachland Water Mechanic at Silver Lake outlet

Summer camp at Silver Lake

Size	10 ha. (24.7 ac.)	Max. Depth	17 m. (56 ft.)
Game	Rainbow Trout	Fish	Rainbow Trout
Fish		Stocked
Angler Usage	High	Elevation	1067 m. (3500 ft.)
Ice Over	November to Mid-April	T.D.S.	112 mg./L

Silver Lake Dam

Silver Lake Dam is located approximately 12 km north west of Peachland. The dam is located on the south east side of Silver Lake. The height of the dam is up to about 6 m and the width of the dam is about 30 m. The storage capacity of the lake is 456.06 acre foot (AF). The earth-filled dam was originally constructed during the mid 1920's. In April of 1979, the dam was reported to be substantially below the minimum safety standards for an earth filled structure by the regional engineer from the Water Right Branch located in Kelowna, BC. Re-construction and/or rehabilitation of the dam were recommended at that time. Re-construction of the new Silver Lake Dam was done in the fall of 1980. The District of Peachland was granted the diversion licences on Trepanier Creek as well as the supporting storage licences on Silver Lake Dam following the 1980 season. Silver Lake currently acts as emergency storage for the Trepanier Water Supply System.

Okanagan Lake (Emergency Water System)

Located at the north end of Beach Avenue and used during peak spring runoff. The Intake at Venner Court is shut off, water is pumped up from Okanagan Lake and chlorinated immediately.

The Emergency system consists of 3 pumps: #1 and #2 are 250 HP and provide 1,200 GPM. #3 is 60 HP and provides 300 GPM. The large pump costs approximately $1,000 per week to run so is used during peak spring run-off mid-May to mid-June.

If an accident on the Coquihalla Hwy causes contaminants to spill over into Trepanier Creek, the Emergency System would be activated.

Okanagan Lake