На озере Вернон пена на поверхности воды вызвана ливнями, а не загрязнением

Foamy material on Vernon lake likely caused by weather Published 5:30 am Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Blame it on the rain. Reports of white foam observed on Okanagan Lake near the Canoe Bay Pump Station stormwater outfall over the Aug. 22 to 23 weekend is likely the result of the rare rainfall that occurred. “Based on available photographs and site conditions, our current assessment is that the foam was likely associated with the rainfall event following several months of dry weather,” said Stacey Raftus, communications officer with the Regional District of North Okanagan, which is responsible for the station. “During extended dry periods, dust, dirt, and other materials accumulate on roads, driveways, and other hard surfaces. The recent rainfall likely generated increased runoff, washing these materials into the stormwater system and ultimately to the lake.” As well, said Raftus, prolonged hot and dry conditions can reduce the infiltration capacity of the soil, resulting in more runoff entering storm drains during a rainfall event. “The observed foam may have been created by the high velocity of water discharging from the stormwater outfall present within the stormwater,” she said. An environmental consultant for the Canoe Bay Pump Station construction project attended the site Sunday morning, Aug. 23. At that time, said Raftus, no residual foam, film, or other visible substance was observed on the water surface or lakebed. An inspection of the construction site found no evidence of a leak, spill, or erosion from onsite materials. Water samples were collected from both the stormwater outfall and Okanagan Lake approximately five metres from the outlet, as a precaution. “These samples have been submitted for standard water quality testing,” said Raftus. “The results will help determine whether any potentially harmful materials were present, although identifying a specific source after the fact may be difficult.” There is no evidence, said Raftus, of a significant discharge of sediment or other material into the lake. “Given that the foam had dissipated before staff arrived on site and no samples were collected from the foam itself, a definitive determination of its source may not be possible,” she said. “However, observations made during the site inspection suggest the event was most likely related to materials carried through the stormwater system during the rain event rather than an ongoing discharge.” The RDNO will review the laboratory results once available and continue to follow up as appropriate. Most Vernon residents remain on a precautionary water quality advisory, issued Aug. 14, due to turbidity in Kalamalka Lake. READ MORE: Water quality advisory stirred up for most of Vernon