In nature
Just as in our backyard, the protection of water in the backcountry is vitally important.
The Okanagan is well-known for its outdoor activities—swimming, boating, hiking, camping, ATVing, skiing, and more. As we explore our beautiful surroundings, it is important to remember that watersheds are sensitive ecosystems.
Protecting Okanagan Water
Ninjas? Water Warriors -- protecting the Okanagan's water? Check out this video and learn what you can do to help look after our drinking water!
Stick to maintained trails
Off-road activities, like dirt- or mountain-biking, near watersources can compact soils, reducing the flow of groundwater, and can kick up sediments, creating murky water that harms aquatic creatures. Grease and oil from bikes can also contaminate the water. Instead, stick to maintained trails in approved riding areas and avoid riding near or through streams and creeks. Use those challenging bridges!
Go soap free
Whenever possible, avoid using soap in the backcountry (even biodegradable ones). The chemicals in soap can harm fish and aquatic plants and cause algae blooms that turn clear water murky. Make your backcountry showers and baths soap free. If you use soap to do your camping dishes, dump the soapy water far from any watersource. The ground can act like a filter to remove the soap before the water makes its way back into the water system.
