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Bouchie Lake Monitoring 2026
This summer, volunteer Directors of the Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society took water quality readings to track the health of the lake. The aim is to build a steady record from year to year, so we can see how the lake is changing and whether our work is making a difference.
Through July to September 2026, we took readings roughly every week at the deep site on the lake. At each visit we measured water temperature and dissolved oxygen using a YSI ProSolo meter on loan from the Ministry of Environment. We also measured water clarity with a Secchi disk.
We follow the BC Lake Stewardship Society’s monitoring methods, so our results stay consistent and can be compared with lakes across the province.
This monitoring sets the stage for our two-year study with researchers at UNBC, which will add detailed nutrient testing, including phosphorus, the nutrient behind the algae blooms and heavy weed growth. Together, the ongoing monitoring and the study will give us a clear picture of what is happening in the lake and what will help protect it.
Previous History (1999)of Lake Monitoring
Secchi Disc monitoring was carried out on Milburn Lake by Doug Crick and David Law in 1999 and by Bob Lebeck on Bouchie Lake in the same year. Secchi disc readings were taken at weekly intervals at three different sites on Milburn Lake (the deepest points on each of the three open water areas) and the results were published in a report by Juliette O'Keeffe, Norm Zirnhelt and Jill Savege from MoE in March 2000. The full report including the secchi disc readings can be found at the following link:
Short extracts from the above link regarding Bouchie and Milburn lakes are posted below.
"3.2.1 Bouchie Lake DO and Temperature
An attempt was made to obtain a dissolved oxygen profile for Bouchie Lake at the time of overturn sampling. However, due to problems with the DO/T meter, the profile is not valid.
Phosphorus
Water chemistry samples were obtained for depths of 0.5 m, 3.0 m and 5.0 m from the centre of the lake. The lake had a mean TP concentration of 0.0428 mg/L and a mean TDP concentration of 0.01 17 mg/L. These values are comparable to historical phosphorus concentrations for Bouchie Lake except for 1983 data which was unusually low. There does not appear to be any increasing or decreasing trend in phosphorus. In comparison to the other 13 lakes sampled at overturn in 1998, Bouchie ranks 2nd in terms of highest TP concentration. Bouchie lake has been monitored for overturn water chemistry four times. There is some question as to the validity of the 1983 data as the original data can not be located. With the 1998 data included, Bouchie Lake now has enough data to establish baseline concentrations (three years). However, because of public concern and evidence of entrophication, further sampling will be required to determine if levels of nutrients in the lake are increasing or decreasing ."
"3.2.17 Milburn Lake
Secchi Readings Twenty Secchi disk readings were taken between May 16 and October 30, 1999 at three different locations on Milburn Lake. The maximum, minimum and mean Secchi depths for the North End were 4.33m, 0.93m, and 2.97m respectively. The South end has 2 bays (east and west) the maximum, minimum, and mean were 5.27m, 2.09m, and 3.98m in the West Bay and 5.66m, 2.41m, and 4.13m in the East Bay. The overall mean Secchi depth for Milburn Lake was 3.69m. Each location monitored represents an isolated section of the lake connected by 2 relatively narrow passages (see bathymetric map in Appendix 1). The seasonal water clarity trend is similar in all three bays as shown in Figures 36, 37 and 38. Contrary to what might be expected the deepest Secchi depths are measured during the warmer water temperatures. The mean Secchi depth in the North end is shallowest, and this is where most of the residential development has occurred. The other two bays are more secluded and likely don't receive as much human contact. There is no historical Secchi data recorded for Milburn Lake. Milburn Lake ranks 12'~ out of 22 lakes in terms of shallowest mean Secchi depth. Three years of Secchi data is required in order to use this data for establishing baseline levels. Therefore two more years of at least twelve Secchi disk readings each year is recommended for Milburn Lake. "
BLWSS Field Form.xlsx BOUCHIE LAKE WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY
BOUCHIE LAKE WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY
Dear Bouchie Lake resident,
Dear Bouchie Lake resident,
The Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society is asking for your help to protect the health of Bouchie Lake. Many residents have watched the lake decline in recent years, with strong odours in late summer, recurring algae blooms, and weed growth so heavy that launching a boat has become difficult. These conditions affect how we can all use the lake and the value of the properties around it.
The Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society is asking for your help to protect the health of Bouchie Lake. Many residents have watched the lake decline in recent years, with strong odours in late summer, recurring algae blooms, and weed growth so heavy that launching a boat has become difficult. These conditions affect how we can all use the lake and the value of the properties around it.
To address this, we have partnered with researchers at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) on a two-year study of the lake. It will identify what is driving these conditions, primarily a nutrient called phosphorus, and set out what can realistically be done, with costs attached so the community knows what it is working toward. This is the step that turns a recognized problem into a clear, fundable plan for action.
To address this, we have partnered with researchers at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) on a two-year study of the lake. It will identify what is driving these conditions, primarily a nutrient called phosphorus, and set out what can realistically be done, with costs attached so the community knows what it is working toward. This is the step that turns a recognized problem into a clear, fundable plan for action.
Funding the study is a shared effort, and we are asking residents to take part. The Society has committed $45,000 toward the study over its two years, raised from several sources including grants, community events, and donations from residents. Your donation also goes further than you might expect: Mitacs, a national research funding organization, matches the Society's contribution dollar for dollar, so every dollar donated is effectively doubled, bringing roughly $90,000 of research to our lake.
Funding the study is a shared effort, and we are asking residents to take part. The Society has committed $45,000 toward the study over its two years, raised from several sources including grants, community events, and donations from residents. Your donation also goes further than you might expect: Mitacs, a national research funding organization, matches the Society's contribution dollar for dollar, so every dollar donated is effectively doubled, bringing roughly $90,000 of research to our lake.
We are asking for a donation once a year, for each of the two years of the study. Suggested levels are:
We are asking for a donation once a year, for each of the two years of the study. Suggested levels are:
● Gold $500
● Gold $500
● Silver $250
● Silver $250
● Bronze $100
● Bronze $100
Any amount is appreciated, and there is no obligation to give in both years. Because the study runs two years, we expect to extend the same invitation next year, but each year's donation stands on its own.
Any amount is appreciated, and there is no obligation to give in both years. Because the study runs two years, we expect to extend the same invitation next year, but each year's donation stands on its own.
Please note that the Society is a volunteer community organization and not a registered charity, so we are unable to issue tax receipts. In return, the Society carries no overhead, and donations go directly to the study. Should the study not proceed, your donation will be returned.
Please note that the Society is a volunteer community organization and not a registered charity, so we are unable to issue tax receipts. In return, the Society carries no overhead, and donations go directly to the study. Should the study not proceed, your donation will be returned.
To give: by cheque payable to the Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society, by e-transfer to blwatershedss@gmail.com, or in person to director Bob Ross, who will be visiting residents and can answer any questions.
To give: by cheque payable to the Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society, by e-transfer to blwatershedss@gmail.com, or in person to director Bob Ross, who will be visiting residents and can answer any questions.
Thank you for helping to protect the lake we all share.
Thank you for helping to protect the lake we all share.
The Directors
The Directors
Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society
Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society
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