The qathet Regional District is working to improve the understanding of groundwater resources on Savary Island. The last island-wide water study was completed in 1996, nearly thirty years ago. The qRD wants to understand how issues related to water will influence planning, development, and quality of life on the island now and in the future.
Some questions that the study will consider include:
- What are the current conditions in Savary Island aquifers?
- How does land use affect water quality and quantity?
- How will climate change affect water supplies?
- What can we do to preserve and protect freshwater resources on the island?
The Savary Island Groundwater Assessment will build on previous work and provide an update on aquifer conditions. The results of the groundwater resource assessment will inform the review and update of the Savary Island Community Plan. Engagement with the community and identification of practical actions that can help protect water resources on Savary Island are also important outcomes of the project.
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- There are no major streams or lakes on Savary Island, so the main source of water for the community is a layered sand and gravel aquifer from which groundwater is collected from springs, or pumped from shallow dug wells, driven sand point wells, and drilled wells.
- Fresh groundwater in the aquifer is vulnerable to sea water intrusion and can be impacted by contaminants from land use on the island.
- The amount of groundwater available for use is affected by climate change, including changes in the timing and amounts of rainfall contributing to aquifer recharge.
We have several upcoming opportunities for the community to get involved in the project:
Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savary-island-groundwater-assessment-project-introduction-tickets-1004691658797
Please join us in a discussion about the qathet Regional District study of water resources on Savary Island. Hydrogeologists from GW Solutions will present an overview of the project scope, methods, and intended outcomes. Participants can bring their questions and ideas and learn more about how to become involved.
An online survey will be made available from September 11 to October 15, 2024.
Paper copies will be available upon request. Please call 604-485-2260 or email planning@qathet.ca to get your copy.
Consultants from GW Solutions will be performing a field survey in mid-September 2024 to collect well and water source data on Savary. This data is critical to be able to accurately evaluate current groundwater conditions on Savary Island.
We are looking for volunteers who are willing to let us collect data from their water source. During the site visit, the consultant will:
- Collect spatial coordinates and document the details of your water source;
- Measure groundwater levels; and
- Collect samples for laboratory analysis of groundwater quality.
If you are interested in participating in the field survey, please complete the sign-up form and submit to sbarroso@gwsolutions.ca no later than September 18, 2024.
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