How Water Works
Why Water Works?
All of our drinking water (or water for household use) comes from groundwater sources and, like many communities in southern BC, we face drought and water supply issues during the hot summer months and very high energy costs for pumping water during high demand. Our water infrastructure – the system that treats and delivers water to our homes and businesses and removes wastewater – will need millions of dollars of upgrading and expansion to keep up with current demand unless we take steps to reduce and better manage our precious water resources.
Why Should We Conserve Water?
1) Environment
- Protect our aquifer over the long term by reducing water demand to a level that can be supported by the groudwater source.
- Enhance and protect the Kettle River watershed
- Preserve fish and wildlife habitats
2) Reduce Capital Costs
- Reduce the current $785,000 in yearly upgrade and delivery costs
- Higher water demand equals $2,700,000 in additional spending and an additional $70,000/year in infrastructure updgrades.
3) Improve Our Carbon Footprint
- Reduced energy requirements for pumping groundwater, water treatment and sewage treatment centres
- Reduced energy requirements for heating water
4) Operations
- Water conservation is a condition to receiving certain government grants
Water is the source of all life in the Boundary region. It is essential to our well-being and to the creatures we share this region with. It is central to the stunning landscape, strong economy, and unique culture of the Boundary. Our goal is to protect and enhance the quality of life of Boundary residents by protecting and managing our water resources, but we can’t do it alone.
We all share the valleys and the water; therefore we need to share the responsibility of protecting our water and quality of life.
The Boundary’s rivers, lakes, beaches, mountains, and wild spaces are what drew many of us to live here. It is this natural setting that also attracts visitors each year.
If we act to protect our water and natural space now, our children and grandchildren can be assured of enjoying the same beautiful areas we enjoy today. But, we must all do our part.
Links / Contacts
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION
ENVIRONMENT CANADA—WATER
IRRIGATION DISTRICTS:
Covert Irrigation District
Grand Forks Irrigation District: (Ph) 250-442-8225
Sion Improvement District: (Ph) 250-442-8252
KETTLE RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN
OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD
OKANAGAN WATERWISE
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT – WATER STEWARDSHIP
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/water_conservation
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF KOOTENAY BOUNDARY – MILFOIL INFORMATION
http://rdkb.com/Services/EnvironmentalServices/EnvironmentalInitiatives/EurasianMilfoil.aspx