Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is implementing mandatory Stage 2 water conservation measures in the Duhamel, South Slocan, and Woodland Heights water systems as well as Erickson and the Town of Creston in the East Kootenay. These measures are necessary due to the high water demand and heat warnings being issued by Environment Canada. “The extended hot and dry weather forecasted for the region has prompted the RDCK to be proactive with these water systems that have historical supply and demand concerns,” said Jason McDiarmid, RDCK Water Utilities Manager.
River Talk — Movement grows to build weir/dam across Koocanusa Reservoir
Completed in 1973, the Army Corps of Engineers dam was designed to regulate how spring snow melt in the Kootenay River watershed (87% of which originates in Canada) enters the downstream watershed. It has done so effectively, but at a considerable price to local residents. The upper end of the reservoir in Canada bears the brunt of the storage draw down each spring, and in dry years, the reservoir’s moonscape does not always refill to a level that allows for much recreation. The control over these water levels is 100% vested in American operation of Libby dam.