The worst appears to be over at Wasa Lake.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) reports that the water level in Wasa Lake has dropped by three to five inches since Friday (July 6).

“Forestry crews remain in the community for four hours per day ensuring pumps are fueled and running and bags are holding. The pumps are being used at some residences to dewater behind the sandbag berms,” stated RDEK communications director Loree Duczek.

Cameron Pond is in a slow decline and the Lewis Creek flow has shown a slight decrease. There is now a noticeable flow from Wasa Side to Cameron Pond.

The Kootenay River is up slightly due to snow melt occurring.

Interior Health also last weekend recommended that people avoid swimming in Wasa Lake because bacteria levels are higher than normal from flooded septic systems and increased debris in the water.

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Meanwhile, work is occurring behind the scenes to try and secure aid for the homeowners who have suffered under the rise of the Wasa Lake’s water.

Liberal Party nomination hopeful for the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding Doug Clovechok has spent time in the community speaking with impacts homeowners and he provided e-KNOW with his take on what’s been happening.

“Wasa is a real interesting dilemma that I believe even the US Army Corp of Engineers would have a problem solving. It is a kettle lake that sits on top of a large underground aquifer and is at the mercy of the Kootenay River in terms of its ebb and flow.  When the river goes up, and this year it has done so dramatically, it takes a couple of weeks for the lake to rise but even more time for it to drop after the river has gone down.  This is because of the fact that the ground has become so saturated,” Clovechok said.

“This year the river has been extremely high, as well as Lewis Creek which has a volume of water far surpassing the norm. As a result of what could be called ‘the perfect storm’ the level of the lake has continued to raise throughout last week and weekend but as of this past Monday has dropped three to five inches from levels register last Friday,” said the Columbia Valley resident.

“Having toured the area with residents twice, I am thrilled to report that as of today (July 10) that the good news is flood waters are receding, The water is going in the right direction, but it will take time.  Part of the problem in Wasa was magnified by many culverts and trenches not being able to take the water out at a fast enough pace. With that said, as of today all the culverts except one are moving water. The one by the highway is all grown in. It has to be cleaned out. It would have alleviated what is happening if it had been done before.”

With flood waters ebbing, some important issues remain, Clovechok said.

“Right now there are a couple of immediate problems; water quality and mosquitoes.

“There is so much standing water that the mosquitoes are horrific. Of course, this year’s mosquito money has already been spent. We are going to see if there are any additional dollars that can be allocated for a second spray for mosquitoes,” he said, adding an echo to Interior Health.

“With the potential of septic fields being compromised by the flooding and having spoken to the Interior Health folks, it really would not be advisable to let children into the lake until the results have confirmed there are no contaminate concerns,” he said.

Moving forward, there are some things that can be done that could help cut down on future flooding impacts, Clovechok suggested.

“Long term, the best solution would seem that another culvert at the south end of Cameron Pond be installed, as well as yearly maintenance on all other culverts and trenches.  The people of Wasa are dealing as well as can be expected and their spirits are high.  It is amazing to witness a community of people come together to work for each other without conditions, ensuring all those who need help can get it.  This is the moxie British Columbians are made of! I have asked the residents to keep me posted on their progress and if the province can be of further help we certainly will do what we can,” he concluded.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

Carrie Schafer/Through My Eyes Photography

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