Scroll down to read the latest Board report.
The Larratt Aquatic report on water and sediment quality assessment is now available. Go to the Resources tab then click on Reports section then scroll down to the report.
Next WLLID Board meeting, 10th June at 7pm, Community Hall, lower level. Residents welcome to attend.
### March 2026 Board Report
May 16, 2026
WLLID Board Report
(March 2026)
The WLLID Board met on 11 March to carry out its activities pertaining to the quality of water here at Wasa.
So far, this has been the winter of non-winter.
Starting 4 March, open water appeared in the central west section of the lake. Full open water (at least 90%) happened on 8 March. According to WLLID ice on/off records, ice melt and open water this early in the year has never occurred before.
This past winter saw open water on 25 December, with full ice on happening the next day. There was only nine (9) weeks where there was ice covering the whole lake.
Open Water 8 March 2026
Usually in early March, ice fishing is still going on. On 9 March, the fishers were back in their boats.
The WLLID will issue its estimate peak water level on June 1, 2026. It will be posted on the WLLID website, www.wasalake.ca.
As of 12 March, the Floe Lake snow pillow was at 125% of average, with 30.52 inches of snow water equivalent. This bodes well for summer water levels.
Due to damage sustained last summer, the WLLID Board will be purchasing a new electric motor for the boat used in water testing. As well, we will be adding a solar panel battery re-charger.
The next WLLID Board meeting will be 8 April 2026, 7pm at the office, lower level Wasa Community Hall.
### February 2026 Board Report
February 13, 2026
WLLID Board Report (Feb 2026)
On February 11th, the WLLID Board met for the second time in 2026.
Trustee’s spent time preparing a draft of the 2026 Budget. After gathering some additional budget information, they are planning to finalize it at the March Board meeting.
Last summer, the electric motor used with the WLLID boat for water testing sustained sand and moisture damage. The Board is looking to get a quote for its repair. If that is not feasible, the Board will buy a new electric motor. In addition, the purchase of a solar powered battery charger is part of the Budget.
Larratt Aquatic Consultants are working to finalize a report on the results from water tests conducted during summer 2025. The Board is planning for one of the reports authors to present the findings at an in-person meeting sometime in early May.
An online forum is also planned, however, at this time there is no WIFI service at the Community Hall. The Board is exploring options for a temporary WIFI set-up to facilitate the online portion of the presentation.
Details will be posted on www.wasalake.ca when they are finalized.
Tax Bylaw #80 for 2026 was finalized. The Board voted to keep the rate at $50 per parcel. Tax notifications for 2026 will be mailed out in early June.
Taxpayers are reminded that on March 1, 2026 a late penalty, as prescribed by the Provincial government, will be applied to all outstanding balances.
The Board reminds all residents, it is your responsibility to provide WLLID with contact information and a valid address where the tax notice can be mailed.
If you would like to make a presentation to the Board, please send a request at least one week in advance of the meeting to admin@wasalake.ca.
The next Board meeting will be on 11 March, 7pm, lower level at the Community Hall. Residents are welcome to attend.
### January 2026 Board Report
January 17, 2026
After time away, the WLLID Board is back meeting and preparing for the 2026 water season.
On 17 January, the snow pack at Floe Lake (in the upper Kootenay Park) was 144% above the 30-year average.
Wasa open water 17 Dec 2025
The snow pack at Floe Lake accounts for almost 80% of the summer water level at Wasa.
While it’s still four months away from Spring freshet, this snow pack suggests a water year ahead that will exceed that of last year. Good news for water lovers.
We will release a 2026 summer peak water forecast on June first.
As far as the ice goes, there was almost 100% coverage on November 30th, which is about two weeks later than normal. Then an ice melt began on 12 December with almost 100% open water by the 17th.
Slush began forming on 24 December.
Wasa open water + slush + party platforms 24 Dec 2025
Long-time residents said they couldn’t remember a time when there was open water on Christmas Day.
Full ice cover returned 28th December. The mostly smooth clear ice provided excellent skating over the holiday season.
Its very interesting to observe the lake bottom through clear ice. What becomes apparent is the amount of scarring on the soft bottom, particularly in the shallow areas.
On 16th January, the estimate ice thickness was 4 inches or 10cm. The forecast for colder weather will firm up the ice and again make it great for gliding on blades.
Up-coming in 2026, WLLID is planning for the second annual Water Day. We are targeting July 25th. More details in early June.
The return of the Shoreline Clean-up was a great success last October. Trustees plan for a September 2026 clean-up. Details on the website closer to the event.
Hired by the WLLID Board to evaluate potential risks to Wasa’s water quality, Larratt Aquatic is working to complete the final report on its findings. WLLID expects to receive the report by early Spring. We hope to have the researchers present their findings in an online webinar. When a date is confirmed, it will be on the website and sent out through the newsletter. The full report will be available online.
Key parameters covered in the Larratt study include deep water sediment and E. coli tests, shallow lake bottom sediment gathering, video showing the impact large boats have on the soft bottom, and cyanobacteria, algae and zebra mussel testing.
During 2026, the Board will create several ways for WLLID taxpayers to provide feedback on the organizations mandate, scope of water testing and monitoring and how they feel about its activities. We also want to hear what taxpayers think about the future of the WLLID.
Check the website, www.wasalake.ca, for more information and details on all these projects and water related issues.
If you would like to volunteer for water testing (late May to mid-September 2026), other WLLID activities, or you just want to raise a concern or tell us about your best experience at Wasa, please email admin@wasalake.ca.
### All the Best this Holiday Season
December 21, 2025
The 2025 water year kept the WLLID Trustees busy monitoring water levels, drawing E. coli water samples and reporting results. Additional dissolved oxygen, temperature and Seechi readings were conducted by a hearty group of volunteers.
The first Water Day (July 26th) was a great success bringing together WLLID, EKISC and Living Lakes to provide people with clear, concise and relevant information about water quality here at Wasa.
The big news on 21 December is that there is no ice, just open water. After consulting several long time residents, it’s save to say there has never been “no ice” this late in December.
From all of us on the Board,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
### Shoreline Clean-up Back
October 20, 2025
On behalf of the WLLID, a big thank you to all volunteers who helped out on Saturday October 18th picking up litter along the Wasa shoreline.
Not included in the photo were Sherry Shields, Wendy Davis, her daughter Alecia, and grandchildren Chase, Simon, and Arthur as they were still devoted to their task when the photo was taken.
Every piece of trash removed from the shoreline means one less piece of garbage that will pollute our lake!
Everything that is collected is recorded and submitted to Ocean Wise and becomes important data used to inform governments and clean water advocates to help address pollution at its source.
Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization on a mission to build communities that are taking meaningful action to protect and restore our earth’s water bodies.
This year the two most frequently picked items were styrofoam and plastic pieces.
WLLID thanks Trustee Jan for organizing this event.
### 2025 WLLID AGM
October 16, 2025
The WLLID Board hosted the AGM last night at the Community Hall library. A great space for the meeting.
Several residents attended to hear the Chair’s yearly over-view of ID activities. A Water report and tax report were also presented.
The Board approved the 2024 financial statements. Budget preparations will begin in January 2026.
All five past Board Trustee’s are returning for another year. They are Jan Barbeau, Shauna Mayby, Luke Anderson and Phil Godsave. Nowell Berg returns as the Board Chair.
The next Board meeting will be held on January 14th, 2026, 7 pm at the Community Hall, lower level WLLID office.
Until our next update, have a great day.
### Water Testing Ends for 2025
October 9, 2025
The WLLID sends out a big thank you to Becky for her continued volunteer work on sampling water for E. coli testing around Wasa Lake. This testing will resume in June 2025.
The dissolved oxygen, Seechi and temperature testing has also finished for 2024. It will resume in June 2025.
If you have any concerns, please contact WLLID at admin@wasalake.ca.
### Water Season Ends, AGM Next
October 9, 2025
With the Wasa water season mostly over, the WLLID slows its activity around the lake.
This summer was highlighted by the lowest peak water level, reached on 23 June, at 767.84 masl (meters above sea level), since 2014. this year was the second lowest in the last 25 years. Only 2001 saw a lower peak level, when the water only reached 767.50 masl.
To give you an idea of how low the water was, on 26 July, 2025, the level was 767.55 masl, 53cm lower than on the same day last year.
Last year, the peak water level was 768.40 masl. That’s 56 cm or just over 22 inches more water compared to this year.
The chart below shows peak water levels since 2014.
Water testing has finished for the season. Dissolved oxygen, temperature and Seechi readings, along with E. coli sampling, will resume in early June 2026. We hope to undertake one or two winter (ice-on) tests depending on volunteer availability, ice and weather conditions.
A detailed review of the E. coli events this past summer was published in last months Buzz. It will be re-addressed at the up-coming AGM.
WLLID has a new website, same address – wasalake.ca.
The Board thanks Shawn at Eggplant Studios for his work on creating the new look and navigation. This makes it easier for the Board to post current news, water data and testing alerts. It will be the public source for verified WLLID Board information.
Past material such as Board agendas, minutes, financial statements and historical reports are still available.
The WLLID AGM is set for 15 October, 2025, 7pm, at the Wasa Community Hall. The Board will present a number of reports outlining the past years activities along with the 2024 financial statements.
Just a few days later, on 18 October, WLLID will lead the return of the shoreline cleanup.
A great day of community activity. Fun for youth and adults alike, roaming the public beaches and bagging garbage.
It all starts at 2pm, meet at the Main Beach parking lot.
Use this link to register https://app.ocean.org/app/cleanup/explore. Search for Wasa Lake under the Join Cleanup tab. Please share this link with other interested parties.
Or, just show up on the day.
A WLLID tote bag will be given to the person with the weirdest item found.
Sur-prizes inside.
Check WLLID website for up-to-date information closer to the date.
### Notice of Annual General Meeting: Oct 15th at 7pm
September 3, 2025
Wasa Community Hall
Purpose of Annual General Meeting
The purpose of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is to provide an opportunity for the board to present financial statements and report on the activities of the past year, and for landowners to discuss activities and ask questions. There will be no election for trustees this year.
The agenda and financial statements will be available at www.wasalake.ca prior to the meeting. For more information, please contact admin@wasalake.ca
Everyone is welcome to attend!
### August 21, 2025
August 21, 2025
Peak Water Come and Gone
Wasa lake remains low compared to 2024. It reached a peak of 767.84 masl on 23 June and remained there until the 2nd of July.
Only 2001 saw a water level lower than this year when it peaked at 767.50 masl.
As of 15 July, the water level was 767.665 masl, 73.5cm lower than on the same day last year. Recent rains will help keep the lake from falling faster than normal.
While the Kootenay River remains steady, it is also at a much lower level than past years.
WLLID will hold “Water Day” on 26th July, 12 noon to 3pm, at Campers Beach. Come out with the family and enjoy a free BBQ along with water testing demonstrations by WLLID and Living Lakes Canada. Invasive species information and children’s activities will be provided by EK Invasive Species Council.
Families will learn how to keep Wasa water healthy for future generations, including aquatic life. Learn more about RDEK’s flood response and sign up for alerts and evacuation notices here.
### E. Coli Update
July 29, 2025
Two recent spikes in E. coli readings from Campers Beach, one June 16 (7300 E. coli per 100 ml) and the other July 29 (1000 E. coli per 100 ml), have residents asking questions about what’s causing it, why it’s happening, especially before a long weekend? What’s the source? What can be done to fix it?
Here’s how E. coli testing at Wasa works.
Water samples are drawn from six locations – Main Beach, Horseshoe Beach, Campers Beach, Fir Beach, Pine Beach and Cedar Beach – and done every week, usually on a Monday or Tuesday morning, from mid-May to mid-September. Since the two high readings, WLLID has taken an extra water sample at Dog beach to compare results from there and Campers beach.
A WLLID volunteer draws water using a plastic bottle labeled with the location, date and time. The six samples are then submitted to the Public Health unit of Interior Health (IH) in Cranbrook. This facility receives water samples on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30am to 1pm. All other times, you’re out of luck.
Once IH (Cranbrook) has the samples, they are sent to a lab in Kelowna for analysis. IH will then report the results, at least three business days later, longer when there is a holiday, on their public website.
WLLID will also post the numbers on this page. However, by the time we receive the E. coli numbers, the water in the area has returned to a normal reading. As it did after both recent spikes in E. coli counts.
IH has a level of 235 E. coli per 100 ml of water that once crossed they start inquiring about possible events at the beach that may have caused the spike. This level has only been reached at Wasa once in the last 20 years. High E. coli levels are not typical at Wasa. This is the first summer where extremely high readings have occurred. They are specific to Campers / Dog beach. Both sites, post-29 July spike, have readings of <5 E. coli per 100 ml of water.
After the June spike, WLLID received emails reporting a high number of dogs on Campers beach and not staying within Dog beach boundaries as the possible cause of high readings.
Regarding the 29 July reading, discussions with IH Environmental Health officer covered what beach activities may have led to the high reading. Since the other 5 readings from around the lake were well within their historic range, IH suggested there was no need for a beach warning or closure. IH also added that one small, barely visible, flake of dog feces will cause the E. coli count to jump higher than normal.
BC Parks plays a role in communicating with beach users about high E. coli counts.
WLLID received an email from a resident who reported that on August 1, “Park staff came down to the beach shouting for everyone to get out of the water as it was unsafe and that everyone should go and have a shower immediately. They compared the event to a ‘shark sighting’ in a movie like Jaws. People were scrambling and obviously confused.”
To clarify WLLID’s role, we do not have jurisdiction over Park lands which means we do not place warning signs, close beaches or order people out of the water.
WLLID does its best to keep residents informed by posting E. coli and other water news on its website.
As a Board, we are five local residents who volunteer over 300 hours per year to running the organization, sponsoring Water Day, undertaking additional water testing for dissolved oxygen, temperature and chemical composition, investigating reported invasive species and monitoring algae and milfoil growth.
We understand that many people around Wasa receive their local news through Wasa Facebook forums. The WLLID Board has recently decided to move forward with establishing a Facebook page. Volunteer anyone?
WLLID has also received emails from residents who have suggested the source of high E. coli readings is septic system leakage from shore-front properties.
At this time, WLLID believes that septic leakage is not the cause of high E. coli readings. Other than the two recent high readings, all E. coli numbers from across the lake have been, this year and previous years, within historical ranges. The water is safe to swim in, be on and enjoy.
If septic systems were leaking, WLLID expects the E. coli numbers to be consistently higher in more than one location over more than a couple of samples.
Given WLLID’s lack of jurisdiction over Parks beaches and private property, we would like to see BC Parks and IH undertake a dye test of the septic system used at the pubic washroom at Campers Beach, and septic systems on private property to the North and South of Campers Beach.
These tests would provide evidence, one way or the other, of septic leakage. WLLID will keep pushing for Parks and IH to undertake these tests.
