Researchers at the UBC Okanagan campus are working with local ranchers and stakeholders to determine the best way to protect drinking water on cattle grazing lands. Engineering professor and microbiologist Deborah Roberts is leading student research into drinking water supply intakes and lake outflows. Their study centres on water sources from areas with mixed uses including cattle grazing, camping, hiking, and motorized recreation.
“We have a lot of community outreach built into this project and people are concerned about drinking water,” said Roberts. “At the same time, while there are best management practices in place — like fencing around a body of water to keep cattle out — water is still becoming contaminated.”
Funding for the $150,000 three-year study has come from the Investment Agriculture Foundation, B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and the North Okanagan Regional District. Other stakeholders include Interior Health Authority, the BC Cattlemen’s Association, and local municipalities.
Kelowna Capital News – Jun 12, 2015.
Want More Investigative Content?
