Coldstream Creek is the lifeblood of the Kalamalka Lake ecosystem and a critical source of drinking water for approximately 38,000 residents in the Greater Vernon area. The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) recognizes the importance of this resource and has implemented various monitoring and protection measures to ensure its long-term health and sustainability.
The Coldstream Creek Watershed report provides an overview of the watershed’s current status, historical challenges, ongoing restoration efforts, and recommendations for future management.
Understanding the Coldstream Watershed: A Closer Look
The term ‘watershed’ refers to… But what exactly does that mean, and how does the Coldstream Watershed relate to Kalamalka Lake and the Okanagan Basin?
Essentially, a watershed is like a natural catchment area. It’s the entire land area where rain and snowmelt collect and eventually flow into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or stream. Every hill, valley, and stream within this area contributes to the flow of water, making it a complex and interconnected system.
Coldstream Creek’s Role
Coldstream Creek is a vital part of this system. It acts as a major tributary, gathering water from the surrounding landscape and channelling it towards Kalamalka Lake. This refers to all the land that drains into Coldstream Creek before it reaches the lake.
Let’s extend our perspective a bit. The Okanagan Basin, a much larger puzzle, encompasses Kalamalka Lake as just one piece. This basin is like a giant bathtub, fed by many different “faucets”—the “watersheds that drain into it. Coldstream Creek is just one of these faucets, and there are many others contributing to the overall water volume in the basin.
Major Watersheds of the Okanagan
Some of the major watersheds that feed into the Okanagan Basin include:
- Mission Creek Watershed: This watershed drains a significant portion of the Kelowna area and flows into Okanagan Lake.
- Peachland Creek Watershed: Located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, this watershed contributes to the lake’s water supply.
- Vernon Creek Watershed: This watershed drains the Vernon area and flows into Okanagan Lake.
- Shuswap River Watershed: This large watershed drains a vast area to the north and east of Okanagan Lake, eventually connecting to the Okanagan River system.
- Kettle River Watershed: This watershed drains a large area in the southern interior of British Columbia and flows into the Columbia River, which is connected to the Okanagan River system.
- Similkameen River Watershed: This watershed originates in the Cascade Mountains and flows south, joining the Okanagan River near Osoyoos Lake.
These are just a few examples, and there are numerous smaller watersheds and tributaries that also contribute to the Okanagan Basin. Each watershed has its own unique characteristics, land use patterns, and water quality concerns.
This basin encompasses a network of lakes, rivers, and streams that stretch across the region. Think of it as a giant web of interconnected waterways, with each watershed contributing to the overall health of the system.
Why is Understanding the Okanagan Watersheds Important?
Because what happens in one part of the watershed can affect the entire system. Pollution in a small stream can eventually reach the lake, leading to decreased water quality and harm to aquatic life. Changes in land use, such as deforestation or urbanization, can alter water flow patterns and increase erosion.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Okanagan Basin is a complex and interconnected system. The health of each individual watershed affects the overall health of the basin, and collaborative management is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of this valuable water resource.
Understanding how our local watershed functions and its connection to the larger Okanagan Basin allows for informed decisions regarding land management and water conservation. It’s crucial to recognize that we are all interconnected within a delicate ecosystem, and our actions have far-reaching consequences.
Okanagan Watershed Wisdom:
- Protecting our watershed is crucial for maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem.
- A watershed is a land area that drains water into a common outlet.
- Coldstream Creek is a major tributary of Kalamalka Lake.
- The Coldstream Creek watershed is part of the larger Okanagan Basin, which is fed by many different watersheds.
The Vital Role of Coldstream Creek in the Okanagan Valley
It’s easy to overlook Coldstream Creek as just another stream flowing through the Okanagan Valley. But this waterway, which eventually joins the beautiful Kalamalka Lake near Vernon, British Columbia, plays a much bigger role than one might think.
Features of Coldstream Creek:
- Length: Stretching for roughly 30 kilometres, Coldstream Creek winds its way through diverse terrain.
- Drainage Area: It gathers water from a surprisingly large area, covering about 207 square kilometres.
- Headwaters: High up in the mountains, near the popular Silver Star Resort, is where this creek begins its journey.
- Valley Bottom: As it descends, the creek carves a path westward, flowing almost parallel to Highway 6.
- Recreation: People are drawn to Coldstream Creek, whether it’s for the recreational opportunities in its upper watershed or the summer fun to be had near where it meets the lake.
Water Supply Uses:
- Drinking Water: Coldstream Creek is a vital source of drinking water for the local community.
- Irrigation: Farmers also rely on its waters to nourish their crops and keep the agricultural lands thriving.
But it’s not just about human needs.
Coldstream Creek Aquatic Life:
- Coldstream Creek provides a home for a variety of fish and other aquatic species. It’s even a critical spawning ground for kokanee salmon, a species that holds cultural and ecological significance in the region.
Coldstream Creek Watershed Water Quality:
- Recognizing the importance of keeping this waterway healthy, the North Okanagan Regional District is actively involved in improving both the quality and quantity of water in the Coldstream Creek watershed.
- Their efforts include updating maps of Kalamalka Lake to better understand the water system, reviewing and refining water quality monitoring programs, and strategically choosing sampling locations to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the creek’s health.
It’s a reminder that even a seemingly simple creek can be a complex and vital part of the local environment, supporting both human life and the intricate web of creatures that depend on it.
From Past to Present: The Evolution of the Coldstream-Kalamalka Watershed
The Coldstream Creek Watershed has a history of water quality challenges. While records prior to 1996 are limited, a severe storm event in that year significantly degraded water quality, leading to high levels of turbidity and bacterial contamination.
This event forced the discontinuation of direct domestic water supply from the creek and highlighted the vulnerability of this vital resource. In response, enhanced protection measures and ongoing monitoring programs were initiated. The Greater Vernon Water Utility now oversees water quality assessment for both Coldstream Creek and Kalamalka Lake.
Land use activities within the watershed have long been a source of concern. Historically, logging and agriculture have contributed to sedimentation and nutrient loading in the creek. More recently, urbanization and increasing development pressures have raised concerns about the potential impacts of septic systems, stormwater runoff, and habitat alteration.
A notable example is the community debate in 2021-2022 regarding a proposed septic system for temporary foreign worker housing at a VegPro facility in Coldstream. This situation underscored the ongoing tension between development and watershed protection.
Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring in the North Okanagan
The watershed undergoes comprehensive evaluation using advanced scientific testing methods that provide precise measurements of bacterial contamination and water quality parameters:
Colilert™ Testing System
This testing method represents the gold standard in water quality assessment, utilizing patented Defined Substrate Technology (DST) to detect and quantify bacterial presence.
- Detection Mechanism: The system simultaneously identifies total coliforms and E. coli through specific nutrient indicators.
- ONPG Indicator: When total coliforms metabolize ONPG (ortho-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside), the sample changes to yellow, providing clear visual confirmation.
- MUG Analysis: The presence of E. coli is confirmed when samples fluoresce under UV light due to the metabolism of 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide (MUG).
- Quantification: Results can be obtained within 24 hours, providing both presence/absence and quantitative data.
- Accuracy: The method eliminates most false positives and negatives common in traditional testing methods.
Colisure™ Analysis Protocol
This complementary testing system provides additional verification and operates through distinct chemical markers:
- Primary Detection: Uses CPRG (chlorophenol red-β-D-galactopyranoside) as the primary indicator for total coliform presence.
- Colour Change: Samples transition from yellow to red-magenta when total coliforms metabolize CPRG, offering clear visual confirmation.
- E. coli Detection: Utilizes MUG fluorescence under UV light specifically for E. coli identification
- Integration: Results can be cross-referenced with ColilertTM findings for enhanced accuracy.
- Time Efficiency: Provides definitive results within 24-48 hours
Both testing techniques have regulatory agency certification and offer complementary data sets to ensure thorough water quality assessment. The dual-testing approach helps maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability in monitoring the watershed’s bacterial levels.
Coldstream Creek Historical Assessment Findings
The Ministry of Environment conducted water quality monitoring in Coldstream Creek from 1980 to 2012. Sampling locations were primarily focused on the lower reaches of the creek, downstream of Noble Canyon, where agricultural and residential land uses are most prevalent. This monitoring revealed recurring violations of BC water quality standards for a number of parameters:
- E. coli bacteria levels: Water samples were collected weekly during the irrigation season (May to September) and monthly during the remainder of the year. Analysis of these samples showed frequent exceedances of the provincial water quality guideline for E. coli (200 CFU/100 mL) at several locations. For example, in 2008, E. coli levels exceeded the guideline in 67% of samples collected at the Coldstream Creek Road bridge and in 42% of samples collected near the creek mouth. Potential sources of E. coli contamination include agricultural runoff, wildlife feces, and failing septic systems.
- Nitrate nitrogen concentrations: Nitrate levels were also monitored through regular water sampling. Analysis revealed that nitrate concentrations frequently exceeded the provincial water quality guideline (10 mg/L) at several locations, particularly during the spring and summer months. In 2009, the average nitrate concentration at the Coldstream Creek Road bridge was 13.4 mg/L, with a maximum recorded value of 24.9 mg/L. Elevated nitrate levels are likely attributed to fertilizer use in agriculture and potentially from septic system leachate. High nitrate levels can contribute to algal blooms and oxygen depletion in the water, harming aquatic life.
- Turbidity measurements: Turbidity was monitored continuously at several locations using in-stream sensors. Data analysis showed that turbidity levels often exceeded the provincial guideline (5 NTU) during periods of high runoff, particularly after storm events and during spring snowmelt. Elevated turbidity levels were observed throughout the lower reaches of the creek, with particularly high values recorded near areas of active agriculture and development. Roads, construction sites, and deforested areas are frequent contributors to increased turbidity. High turbidity can negatively impact aquatic life by reducing light penetration and smothering fish eggs.
Sources:
- Water Quality Assessment and Objectives for Coldstream Creek (BC Ministry of Environment, 2015)
- Coldstream Creek Water Quality Monitoring: 2008 to 2009 (BC Ministry of Environment)
Beyond Coldstream Creek: A Regional Perspective on Water Quality
- Regional-scale water quality variations
- Cumulative effects of human activity and climate change
- Comparative analysis with other Okanagan Valley streams
- Bacteria and nutrient loading impacts on Kalamalka Lake
- Data collection for water quality objective development
Environmental Challenges and Climate Impact in the Okanagan
Regional Climate Effects on the Coldstream-Kalamalka System
Climate change has exacerbated many of the environmental pressures that the Coldstream Creek Watershed is already experiencing:
- Increasing temperatures and drought: Warming trends are leading to reduced snowpack, earlier spring runoff, and prolonged periods of low flow in the creek. This can increase water temperatures, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and stress aquatic life.
- Beetle infestations and forest health: Rising temperatures have contributed to outbreaks of bark beetles, leading to widespread tree mortality and increased forest fire risk.
- Wildfire risk: The accumulation of dead wood and dry vegetation creates ideal conditions for wildfires, which can severely impact water quality through erosion, sedimentation, and the release of pollutants.
- Debris flows: Following wildfires, the loss of vegetation increases the risk of debris flows, which can transport large amounts of sediment and debris into the creek, damaging habitat and infrastructure.
- Riparian habitat degradation: Human activities such as livestock grazing, agriculture, and urbanization can degrade riparian areas (the vegetated zones along waterways), which are crucial for filtering pollutants, stabilizing stream banks, and providing habitat for wildlife.
Watershed Restoration Initiatives
Recognizing the importance of proactive management, the RDNO and its partners have implemented various restoration initiatives:
- Upland road infrastructure improvements: Upgrading roads and culverts to minimize erosion and sedimentation. (Provide specific examples of projects, if available).
- Channel system rehabilitation: Restoring natural stream channels to improve fish passage, enhance habitat complexity, and reduce erosion. (Provide specific examples of projects, if available).
- Riparian zone restoration: Planting native vegetation along stream banks to stabilize soil, filter pollutants, and provide shade for aquatic life. (Provide specific examples of projects, if available).
- Sediment control measures: Implementing best management practices at construction sites and other areas of disturbance to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.
Management and Governance in the Greater Vernon Water District
Collaborative Framework
The RDNO has adopted a collaborative approach to watershed management through the Kalamalka Lake/Coldstream Creek Watershed Protection and Response Plan, established in 2013. This plan facilitates coordination between:
- District of Coldstream
- Greater Vernon Advisory Committee
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
- Okanagan Nation Alliance
- Local environmental organizations (e.g., Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society)
- Community groups (e.g., Friends of Kalamalka Lake)
Community Engagement
The Safe Drinking Water Foundation plays a key role in community outreach and education, providing:
- Water quality awareness resources
- Educational programming for schools and community groups
- Community engagement tools and workshops
- Best practices for water conservation and pollution prevention
Recommendations and Future Directions for the Coldstream-Kalamalka Watershed System
Enhanced Monitoring Protocols for the North Okanagan Region
To improve understanding of water quality dynamics and inform management decisions, the following enhancements are recommended:
- Continuous water quality monitoring systems: Install real-time monitoring stations at key locations to track parameters such as temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels.
- Expansion of testing parameters: Include additional parameters in routine monitoring, such as pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals.
- Increased sampling frequency: Increase sampling frequency during high-risk periods, such as spring runoff and after storm events.
- Integration of real-time data analysis: Develop a system for analyzing real-time data to identify trends and potential issues, allowing for rapid response to water quality concerns.
Land Use Management in the Coldstream Creek Corridor
Protecting water quality requires careful management of land use activities within the watershed.
- Development of stringent guidelines: Implement strict regulations for development in riparian areas and other sensitive zones, including setbacks from watercourses, limitations on impervious surfaces, and requirements for stormwater management.
- Enhancement of riparian protection measures: Strengthen riparian protection through conservation easements, land acquisition, and restoration projects.
- Comprehensive stormwater management: Implement green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality.
- Regular assessment of land use impacts: Conduct regular assessments of land use activities to identify potential threats to water quality and ensure compliance with regulations.
Climate Adaptation Strategies
Addressing the impacts of climate change requires proactive planning and adaptation measures:
- Drought management protocols: Develop strategies for managing water resources during drought conditions, including water conservation measures, restrictions on water use, and alternative water supply options.
- Wildfire prevention measures: Implement fuel management strategies, such as thinning and prescribed burns, to reduce wildfire risk.
- Emergency response procedures: Develop plans for responding to water quality emergencies, such as spills, contamination events, and post-wildfire impacts.
- Long-term climate resilience planning: Incorporate climate change projections into long-term watershed management plans to ensure the resilience of water resources and ecosystems.
Water Quality in Context: A Regional Perspective – Okanagan Valley Watershed Network
While Coldstream Creek faces significant water quality challenges, it is important to understand these issues within the broader context of the Okanagan Valley. Many creeks in the region experience similar pressures from human activities and climate change. Comparing Coldstream Creek to other Okanagan watersheds can provide valuable insights and highlight the need for collaborative, region-wide water management strategies.
Water Quality Trends in the Okanagan
A Closer Look at E. coli Levels in Okanagan Creeks
Concerns over E. coli contamination have been recurring throughout the Okanagan Valley, prompting local agencies and stakeholders to monitor and address water quality issues. While multiple studies have documented exceedances of provincial guidelines, the precise scope and frequency vary by year and by creek.
Widespread E. coli Challenges
According to data from various sources—including regional districts, the BC Ministry of Environment, and the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)—non-point source pollution (e.g., stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, livestock, wildlife, and septic system leakage) is contributing to elevated E. coli levels in numerous tributaries.
Although some have referenced a “2023 OBWB report” indicating that 25 creeks were assessed and 44% exceeded guidelines at least once, this specific statistic and publication are not able to be verified through widely accessible documents. Nonetheless, it is well-established that many Okanagan creeks do occasionally or frequently exceed provincial E. coli thresholds.
The 44% Exceedance Claim
The claim that 44% of the region’s creeks exceeded provincial guidelines for E. coli at least once in a 2023 OBWB study appears in some discussions; however, there is no single, publicly circulated report from 2023 under the OBWB name that clearly confirms these exact figures.
It is possible that multiple projects and datasets—compiled by Interior Health, local municipalities, and the OBWB—led to a general understanding that nearly half of the monitored creeks showed E. coli exceedances during certain times. This aligns with the known pollution patterns in the Okanagan, where land-use practices and environmental factors can cause short-term spikes in bacterial levels.
Historical Data from Coldstream Creek
Coldstream Creek, located near Vernon in the North Okanagan, has long been recognized as a waterway facing ongoing E. coli challenges. Older watershed assessments and local government reports suggest that in 2008, up to 67% of samples from Coldstream Creek exceeded provincial guidelines—though exact percentages may vary depending on the sampling approach and site.
While this data underscores Coldstream Creek’s water quality issues, it’s important to note that the creek is neither the only nor necessarily the worst offender within the region. Other tributaries in the Okanagan, often facing similar pressures, have also recorded exceedances. It is the cumulative impact of multiple land-use factors that drives many local waterways to surpass bacterial limits at least periodically.
Is Coldstream Creek an Outlier?
Although Coldstream Creek has garnered attention for its documented exceedance rates, it is not necessarily an outlier. Sampling efforts across numerous Okanagan creeks have revealed that E. coli exceedances are relatively common, particularly during peak runoff or following heavy rainfall. These trends reflect broader ecological and land-management challenges in the valley, such as agricultural runoff, limited riparian buffers, and aging septic systems.
Mitigation and Ongoing Efforts
The Okanagan Basin Water Board and partner organizations actively promote best practices to help reduce bacterial contamination:
- Upgrading and maintaining septic systems to prevent leaks.
- Implementing agricultural best practices, including fencing livestock from streams and restoring vegetated buffer zones to filter runoff.
- Enhancing stormwater management, such as creating retention ponds or wetlands that naturally filter pollutants before reaching water bodies.
- Encouraging riparian restoration projects that stabilize stream banks and improve water quality.
Local stakeholders—municipalities, farmers, and residents—are urged to stay informed and involved. While a single comprehensive “2023 report” may not be widely available, the broader consensus from multiple studies is clear: tackling E. coli contamination requires region-wide collaboration and consistent monitoring.
Okanagan Watershed Wisdom:
- E. coli contamination is prevalent across multiple Okanagan creeks, not just Coldstream Creek.
- Reported exceedance rates (like 44% region-wide or 67% in Coldstream Creek) may come from different data sources and time frames, emphasizing the importance of consulting original documents.
- Addressing E. coli pollution demands a multifaceted approach—covering agriculture, urban development, and public awareness—in order to protect both human and environmental health.
By recognizing that many waterways share these challenges, communities throughout the Okanagan can work together to safeguard water quality, ensuring a healthier future for residents, wildlife, and the local ecosystem.
Factors Influencing Water Quality in the North Okanagan Watershed
Several factors contribute to water quality variations between Okanagan creeks:
- Land Use: Creeks flowing through intensively farmed areas tend to have higher nutrient levels and turbidity due to agricultural runoff. Urbanized creeks are more prone to bacterial contamination and stormwater runoff. Coldstream Creek, with its mix of agricultural and residential land uses, experiences a combination of these pressures.
- Flow Regimes: Creeks originating in higher elevations, such as those in the Mission Creek watershed, tend to have more natural flow regimes with higher water quality. Water withdrawals for irrigation and other uses, which can reduce flows and concentrate pollutants, may have an impact on creeks in valley bottoms, like Coldstream Creek.
- Geology and Soils: The underlying geology and soil types within a watershed can influence water chemistry and erosion potential. Coldstream Creek’s watershed is characterized by a mix of glacial till and alluvial deposits, which can be susceptible to erosion, contributing to turbidity issues.
Collaborative Watershed Management in the Okanagan Region
The OBWB operates through several key mechanisms:
- The Water Stewardship Council provides technical advice and brings together diverse stakeholders.
- Partnerships with First Nations, including collaboration with the Okanagan Nation Alliance on projects like Environmental Flow Needs assessments.
- Coordination between government agencies, universities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to increase the effectiveness of water initiatives.
Programs and Initiatives
The organization manages several important programs:
- Water Conservation & Quality Improvement grants.
- Water quality monitoring and data sharing through the Okanagan Basin Water Quality Database.
- Collaborative research on water science and watershed management.
Regional Impact
The OBWB’s “One Valley, One Water” approach has proven effective. Within 20 years of its establishment, phosphate levels in Okanagan lakes dropped by more than 90% through coordinated wastewater treatment efforts. The organization continues to address emerging challenges through its Sustainable Water Strategy, which includes 50 actions designed to protect water sources, plan for flooding and drought, manage water demand, and promote collaboration.
Disclaimer:
While my goal is always to provide information that can be relied upon, this report is based on information compiled from various sources, including publicly available documents, government reports, and academic research. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details, such as specific water quality data and the specifics of certain restoration projects, may require further verification.
The comparative data presented in “Water Quality in Context: A Regional Perspective – Okanagan Valley Watershed Network” is intended to provide a general overview of regional trends.
Readers seeking precise figures and detailed information on specific Okanagan creeks are encouraged to consult the cited sources, particularly the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s latest water quality report.
Additional References:
For the most up-to-date information on Coldstream Creek and regional water quality, please refer to the following resources:
