Water Stewardship Information Sources
| ID | 1028 |
|---|---|
| Citation | Josephy, A. 2011. An assessment of the most suitable water levels for Osoyoos Lake (Study 1). Prepared for the International Joint Commission. |
| Organization | International Joint Commission |
| URL | http://ijc.org/rel/boards/osoyoos/Study%201%20Final%2020110203.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | The focus of this study (Study 1) was to examine the projected 2040 water demand from Osoyoos Lake and explore ranges of lake elevations that could potentially be used to meet the demand. The purpose was to examine whether or not it would be necessary to modify the specifications of the current Order of Approval when it comes up for renewal in order to help meet the projected demand. The basis for this recommendation was predicated on existing data and reports. We also considered the views of different stakeholders who are affected by lake levels. Based on our results, specific recommendations are summarily listed below. From the study results, we do not see a necessity in changing the current Order specifications related to Osoyoos Lake elevation management. The elevations can be managed at levels desired by stakeholders affected by lake levels. ﾕ Inflows are of primary importance in Osoyoos Lake since storage capacity of the lake is limited. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the option of managing Osoyoos Lake based on inflows (and having the new Order include inflow based criteria) rather than elevation targets or using a hybrid management approach. ﾕ The percent of the demand that can be met is mainly a function of the amount of inflow into Osoyoos Lake. Storage in Osoyoos Lake has limited ability to address deficits. Therefore, there is a need to try to negotiate minimum trans-border flows that are more in line with historical inflows analyzed in this study rather than agreed upon flows so that a degree of certainty can be attached to what percentage of the demand can be met. ﾕ Instream/fisheries requirements constitute about 90% of the total demand in most months. Hence, this is the component that will be affected the most in case of a deficit. There is a need to better quantify the exact implications of not meeting all of these requirements and come up with minimum required inflows at an acceptable risk in addition to optimal requirements. This will help manage Osoyoos Lake based on expected inflow amounts and allow meeting instream/fisheries requirements to the maximum extent possible. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Okanagan |
| Sub-watershed if known | Osoyoos Lake |
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| Comments | |
| Project status | complete |
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