The Shuswap River has been the subject of water testing due to concerns about pollution and contamination. Recent tests have shown high levels of E. coli in the Middle Shuswap River, raising alarms about the river's suitability for swimming and drinking. The Shuswap Watershed Council has been working on nutrient management strategies to mitigate the impact of excessive nutrients on the river's water quality. The council's research indicates that the largest loads of nutrients to the lakes are coming from the Shuswap and Salmon Rivers, and they are focusing on areas of the watershed that need to be targeted for intervention to protect water quality for the long term.