It is the Gun Lake Community’s goal to promote sustainable and preventative actions to protect our precious watershed. Here are some suggestions on things we can all change to help protect & preserve the lake for future generations. Gun Lake is our drinking water source and we all need to do our part to keep it clean.

Tips for a healthy Gun Lake & water study from Ministry of Environment & BC Lake Stewardship Society – click to view tips on page 4 of document.

SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND THEY START WITH YOU!

• Use products labeled biodegradable and safe for septic system household cleaners, body soaps and shampoos only.
• Use only phosphate free detergents including laundry, dishwasher and dish soap. READ LABELS CAREFULLY!
• Products that are septic safe, phosphate free and biodegradable will be advertised on the packaging.
• Some suggestions for safe cleaners are pure soap, borax, baking soda and vinegar. Harsh agents like bleach, ammonia and anything with a danger, irritant symbol should be avoided and never poured down the sink as they are major pollutants of our drinking water. Safe cleaning products include brands like Nature’s Choice, Green’s Plus, Natura and Seventh Generation. Most stores stock green cleaning products now.
• Do not bathe or wash dishes, pets or bodies in the lake. This contributes to high phosphate levels which cause excessive algae in fresh water systems.
• Organic gardening should be practiced around the lake. Please refrain from the use of lawn fertilizers, herbicides & pesticides that enter the drinking water, are hazardous to your health & can be deadly for fish and other wildlife.
• Boat Drivers – To prevent shoreline erosion drive at no wake speeds within 150 ft (50 m) from shore.Within 100 ft (30m) off shore speed restrictions of 10 km/h apply.

Beavers live in Gun Lake too. We can learn how to live with them.

HEALTHY SEPTIC SYSTEM TIPS

Septic Systems are not maintenance free. They require regular pumping, especially if you live on the lake. Every 2-3 years min. Not maintaining your system can and will lead to system failure with blockage and leaks likely which can contaminate the drinking water with life threatening disease.

Replace old systems that may lack adequate drainage fields or have old leaky tanks.

Never use caustic cleaners which can kill the beneficial bacteria that break down the sewage in the tank. This results in sewage passing through without proper treatment. Chemicals do not break down and can seep back in the lake.

Things to avoid putting down the drain include: Drain Cleaners, Bleach & Disinfectant, Facial Tissue & Paper Towel, Feminine Hygiene Products, Diapers, Dental Floss, Gas, Oil, Anti-freeze, Coffee Grounds, Grease & Food Scraps.

Shoreline Health Brochure

How healthy is your shoreline? Check out this Shoreline Health Brochure to find out! Original brochure developed in 2000 by the Living by Water Project who have kindly agreed to its reproduction. More information can be found at www.bclss.org