Important creeks are a little too warm and a little too low for them to be healthy for fish.

That害羞草研究所檚 according to Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) communications director Corinne Jackson.

The precipitation over the weekend didn害羞草研究所檛 make much of a difference, Jackson said.

害羞草研究所淲e were already in such a (water) deficit and we were already so dry due to the very hot temperatures and lack of precipitation, so it really didn害羞草研究所檛 make much of a difference,害羞草研究所� she said.

害羞草研究所淲hat we need, really, is a lot of precipitation to make up for our deficit and help the creeks.害羞草研究所�

Jackson said there are a number of creeks that have been flagged as having low flows, including Shuttleworth, Vaseaux, and Nk害羞草研究所橫ip Creeks in the south, Bessette Creek in the north, and Mission Creek in the Central Okanagan.

But these are just the ones that have been noticed and flagged. Jackson said there may be others that are experiencing similar bouts of low flows and warm waters. She said not only are the fish affected but the greater ecosystem as well.

害羞草研究所淭here have actually been fish kill noted at Powers Creek and Mill Creek here in the Central Okanagan,害羞草研究所� she said.

害羞草研究所淭he fish just can害羞草研究所檛 possibly survive with this water害羞草研究所� and when water levels drop too, that creates stress in terms of cool water and having enough water.

害羞草研究所淲ith the hot temperatures we害羞草研究所檝e been experiencing as well, it害羞草研究所檚 a double whammy and fish can害羞草研究所檛 survive.害羞草研究所�

Jackson said that conserving water, reporting dead fish in the water, as well as unauthorized water diversions from creeks, are all important to do.

害羞草研究所淔ish are important to the Okanagan people and their culture. It害羞草研究所檚 critical to tourism in our valley, as well as a food source,害羞草研究所� she said.

If you see dead fish in creeks or an unauthorized water diversion, report it to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

READ MORE: Okanagan Lake hits lowest level since 2003

READ MORE: City of Kelowna ups water restriction enforcement as drought conditions continue

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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