Lake Khiluk: A waterbody that played a significant role in World War II 

You’d definitely agree that few of nature’s creations are strange yet wonderful. Let us take you through one such nature’s marvel: Lake Khiluk. This marvellous lake, located in Okanagan Valley, Canada, is well-known for multiple reasons!  

Well, the lake was originally owned by a local called Ernest Smith. It was meant to be developed into a commercial and money-making destination by building a spa and recreational centres. However, after many years of protest and struggle, the native Syilx tribe was able to purchase the land. Thus, they were also successful in preserving the lake’s surrounding area from a cultural and environmental standpoint. The lake is super rich in minerals, and you can actually see deposits of minerals during the summer! So, let’s learn more about what these minerals do and other interesting facts of Lake Khiluk  

The healing powers of Lake Khiluk  
Lake Khiluk is revered as a sacred site owing to the efforts of the native Syilx tribe or the Okanagan people. These people believe the lake possesses healing powers and have been working tirelessly to protect it. As a result, this lake has earned the moniker the ‘Medicine Lake.’ The tribe has used minerals from this lake for various medicinal purposes such as, treatment of warts, body ache, and battle wounds during the World War II.  

Lake Khiluk was used in World War II 
Another historical aspect worth knowing about the lake is that it has played a significant part in World War II. Yes, the abundance of minerals in the lake, such as magnesium sulphate, made the lake an ideal location to extract raw materials required for manufacturing ammunition. The lake is so rich in minerals that labourers would extract up to one tonne of salt each day from it! That’s humongous, right?  

It is called the Spotted Lake 
Lake Khiluk is more popularly known as the Spotted Lake. This is due to the fact that during the summer, the water level reduces, which results in the formation of large mineral deposits. Hence the name. 

However, you may be wondering how the water in the lake disappears or reduces, right? Is water collected from the lake? Well, scientifically, Lake Khiluk is what you call an endorheic lake. This means the lake is not supplied with water by any external sources such as rivers or the ocean. Only rainwater and groundwater fill it up. So, when evaporation takes place during the summer, the water level reduces, leaving behind beautiful minerals in patches across its entire surface, glistening in the sun. The lake contains various minerals that come in yellow, green and blue colours, forming small pools. There are an estimated 400 pools rich in magnesium, titanium and sodium here. When viewed from a distance, this lake appears to have multicoloured polka dots! The vibrant colours of the spots create a spectacular image! After summer, snowfall and rain fill the lake with water once again, which means tourists have to wait another year to witness this wonder.