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LETTERS: Secchi reading worst ever

The B.C. Lake Stewardship Society volunteer members monitor the health of B.C. lakes by measuring clarity or visibility using Secchi Disks.

Editor:

The B.C. Lake Stewardship Society volunteer members monitor the health of B.C. lakes by measuring clarity or visibility using Secchi Disks, which was invented in the 17th century.

Each July B.C. lakes are measured and compared, which the BCLSS calls a Secchi “dip in.”

Readings are also taken from April to October, along with lake temperature.

This year’s 108 Lake reading was two metres for July 15 and July 26, which is the worst reading ever recorded.

This was the third worst for the province and was almost equal to Bednesti Lake, which was the No. 2 worst.

The highest lake temperature was 22C on July 26.

The 108 Lake level declined only 12 centimetres during irrigation season, which is April to October, and remained constant after the pumps were removed indicating no 108 Lake water is leaking into the 108 aquifer.

The record rainfall for this season would have improved the Secchi readings, the lake level decline and also the amount of blue green algae.

James Gellein

108 Mile Ranch