Newsletter

Spring 2026

PART 2 of 2

We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples, and specifically the lands of the Upper Nicola community. We honour their enduring connection to these lands and waters.



What can we do to help? 

Part 1 of this newsletter focused on the science behind what is happening in Nicola Lake. Part 2 focuses on what each of us can do, as good stewards of the lake, to help reduce human impact.


Annual General Meeting

  • July 9, 2026
  • Best Western, Merritt
  • 6:00-7:00 Members to sign in
  • 7:00 AGM begins

Strength in Numbers

The more members we have, the stronger our collective voice when working with local and provincial governments, as well as other organizations. Please consider encouraging family members, friends, and neighbours to sign up. A larger membership helps ensure our concerns are heard and taken seriously. Sign up at www.guardiansofnicola.ca

Guardians Signs around the Lake



Signs are being installed around the Nicola Watershed in the next few weeks. They will be strategically placed in locations where residents and visitors will see them. The sign includes a QR code which, when scanned, will take you to our online page that shares information on lake quality and how to be a good steward of the lake. Check it out! (for those of us who have not used a QR code before, please see instructions below).


Instructions:

  1. Open your phone’s camera.
  1. Point it at the QR code.
  1. Hold steady until a link appears.
  1. Tap the link to open the webpage or information.

Wake Surf Boats, Sediment & Shoreline Erosion

Wake surf boats differ significantly from traditional powerboats, and that difference matters for Nicola Lake.

Deeper Disturbance

In surf mode, wake surf boats can disturb water to depths of 6–8 metres, compared with approximately 1.5–2 metres for conventional boats, potentially resuspending bottom sediments that can contain phosphorus and nitrogen.

Higher Wave Energy

Wake surf boats generate waves with 2–10× the energy of traditional ski or fishing boats, requiring far greater distance to dissipate.

Shoreline Impact

When high-energy waves strike shorelines, they can contribute to erosion through hydraulic action, abrasion, and attrition, washing nutrient-laden soil into the lake.

Wake surfers are encouraged to:

01

Operate away from shorelines and shallow bays

02

Use deeper mid-lake areas whenever possible

03

Avoid repeated passes close to shore

04

Be mindful of erosion-sensitive areas and periods of high water

05

Approach shorelines, docks, and marinas at very low speeds

Septic Systems Are Important

Septic systems can affect lake health when they are poorly maintained. Regular care helps reduce nutrient runoff, prevent system failure, and protect water quality.

Members are encouraged to:

  • Pump out regularly
  • Inspect your system frequently. Watch for signs such as slow drains, sewage odours, wet patches near the drainage field, or algae growth near the shoreline.
  • Use water gradually and avoid large-volume dumps
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and phosphorus-heavy detergents
  • Keep vehicles, decks, and runoff away from drain fields
  • Maintain a natural shoreline buffer to help filter nutrients before they reach the lake

Here are some septic service contacts near Merritt. We are not endorsing or recommending any specific provider.

  • Kamloops Septic Services. 250-372-3520


Nicola Lake Impact Chart – Working Hypothesis

As part of our ongoing discussions with scientists, biologists, watershed experts, and local observers, the Guardians have developed an evolving impact table to help identify the likely contributors influencing algae blooms and water quality challenges in Nicola Lake.

This table represents a working hypothesis.

It is not intended to present final conclusions or assign blame; it is an evolving framework designed to:

  • Organize current understanding
  • Identify likely nutrient sources and stressors
  • Guide future monitoring priorities
  • Support evidence-based discussion
  • Help identify where education, stewardship, and action may be most effective

Importantly, this framework has received input and refinement from limnologists and biologists, including Heather Larratt and other scientific partners, and will continue to evolve as more monitoring data becomes available.

See below table to review nutrient sources and stressors. This information is vital in understanding and guiding our work.

Note: Nicola Lake is influenced by multiple overlapping factors.

The goal is to better understand not only what is happening in Nicola Lake — but why.

 

IDENTIFIED NUTRIENTS AND SOURCES

The table reflects the current working understanding of contributing factors influencing Nicola Lake water quality and algae bloom conditions.

🔴 VERY HIGH IMPACT

Internal Loading

Nutrients in lake sediments released back into the water column, fueling blooms. Actions: Monitoring, nutrient budgeting, oxygen studies. Responsibility: Scientists, NWPG, Guardians, Boaters

Cattle Access to Watershed

Manure, bank trampling, and runoff contribute phosphorus and nutrient loading. Actions: Fencing, off-stream watering, riparian restoration. Responsibility: Ranchers, TNRD, Upper Nicola Band, Guardians

🟠 HIGH IMPACT

Bank Erosion

Sediment entering the lake carries phosphorus and destabilizes shorelines. Actions: Vegetated buffers, stabilization, erosion monitoring. Responsibility: MoE, DFO, Guardians, Residents, Boaters

Dam Operations

Water level management affects temperature, residence time, flooding, erosion, and lake mixing. Actions: Adaptive flow discussions, thermocline monitoring. Responsibility: MoE, Guardians, Dam Operators

🟡 MODERATE IMPACT

Logging / Pine Beetle Salvage

Soil disturbance and exposed slopes increase runoff and nutrient transport. Responsibility: FLNROD, Forestry Operators

Agricultural Fertilizer Runoff

Fertilizer use may contribute nutrients to watershed inflows. Responsibility: Farmers, MoE, Guardians

Septic Systems (Failing/Outdated)

Aging systems may contribute nutrients to groundwater and nearshore areas. Responsibility: Interior Health, TNRD, Guardians, Residents

Climate Change

Warmer temperatures and drought create favorable bloom conditions. Responsibility: MoE, Guardians

Reduced Freshet

Lower snowmelt reduces flushing; nutrients remain in the lake longer. Responsibility: MoE, Guardians

Altered Riparian Vegetation

Loss of natural vegetation reduces filtration and shoreline stability. Responsibility: TNRD, Guardians, Residents

🟣 LOWER IMPACT

Hydrophobic Soil Runoff

Water bypasses normal soil filtration after wildfire or drought. Responsibility: Municipalities, Landowners

Yellow Perch

Invasive species with possible ecosystem impacts. Responsibility: BC Invasives, First Nations

Note: Nicola Lake is influenced by multiple overlapping factors.

The goal is to better understand not only what is happening in Nicola Lake — but why.

Path Forward for Members

The most important takeaway from recent discussions is that Nicola Lake's challenges are real, measurable, and shared by many lakes across British Columbia and Canada. The good news is that there are many actions we can take that will matter.

Practicing shoreline stewardship

Maintaining septic systems

Reducing shoreline disturbance

Supporting respectful boating practices

Staying informed

Encourage family, friends, and neighbours to become members - there is strength in numbers!

Reporting unusual conditions to the Guardians

*A picture is worth a thousand words

Special Thanks to our Corporate Members!