News
-
-
by Jean Wilkinson
published in the DriftwoodThe Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society was founded in 1982 to protect the sources of drinking water on SSI, promote research into local water resources, and increase public awareness of the value of water resources. Over the last 42 years members have provided important input to ensure public policies recognize the vulnerability of our freshwater supplies, and safeguard this critical gift of nature.
A special event In 2024 was the granting of a well-deserved BC Community Award to long-time WPS members Wayne and Doreen Hewitt, in recognition of their 30 years of persistent work to protect water resources on Salt Spring Island.
One of the most significant WPS accomplishments in recent years is the Freshwater Catalogue. This has been a very successful citizen science project, collecting data and local knowledge to improve our understanding of the diversity, quantity and quality of the island’s surface and groundwater. We appreciate the valuable contributions of numerous volunteers who’ve monitored streams, lakes, ponds, springs and wells over a 6 year period. Loads of detailed information and links, including one to an interactive web-map, is available at https://sites.google.com/view/freshwater-catalogue/home. Anyone interested in contributing to this important research project would be very welcome, and is asked to contact us at ssiwps@gmail.com.
WPS is a partner with the local Climate Action Research Lab group, which is working to improve the hydrology and fire resistance of the Maxwell Lake watershed, one of Salt Spring’s main sources of potable water. This project is increasing knowledge about restoration practices, and is gaining the attention of experts throughout BC. Over the past year WPS also collaborated with Raincoast Conservation Foundation and other local groups studying the health of the waters of Fulford Bay. Dr. Peter Ross, who oversees Raincoast’s Healthy Waters program that monitors water pollution, presented a very interesting and informative public talk about invisible pollutants impacting freshwater, oceans, wildlife and humans in June.
In addition to providing information on the Freshwater Catalogue and WPS web-sites, we submitted an article to the Driftwood for World Water Day in March, explaining how our interconnected watersheds and natural systems are key to our island’s continued freshwater sustainability. It’s available at https://gulfislandsdriftwood.com/world-water-day-take-a-holistic-view-of-the-value-of-islands-water-resources/
We enjoyed talking to people at our booths at the annual Film Festival and Fall Fair, and are always open to hearing water-related concerns and feedback from the public. We offer personalized water catchment tours, and hope to have more public education events in the coming year.
Currently, WPS has concerns regarding North Salt Spring Waterworks District’s proposed lifting of the moratorium on water connections. We look forward to discussions with NSSWD and the community about this critical issue in the coming months. We will continue to monitor local, regional and provincial policies that affect water, and provide thoughtful input to safeguard sustainability into the future.
WPS owns 337 acres of watershed lands, mostly under strict conservation covenants, and stewards these to protect the ecology and thus the health of the water resources they provide. This summer students from Ocean Wise helped us remove garbage from a legacy landfill site near critical wetlands on the Larmour lands. Every year we remove invasive weeds such as broom and tansy, plant native shrubs, grasses and forbs, and monitor all of these special properties. We were pleased to learn that endangered sharp-tailed snakes have been found on our St. Mary Lake Watershed and Nature Reserve this year. It’s very important that people walking in this sensitive Reserve near Channel Ridge stay on the trails, keep dogs on leash, and refrain from riding bikes and horses. Signs outlining the rules are posted, and we ask that everyone abide by them to protect the drinking water used by numerous households.
Members of the public can help safeguard our island’s water resources by being mindful of their water usage and conserving water as much as possible, especially during the summer. Letting lawns go golden, mulching and using water catchment systems for gardens, taking short showers, flushing less often, running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines, installing low flow fixtures and asking visitors to avoid wasting water are simple changes that add up to important savings.
Another role for citizens is to work towards creating change in provincial and federal water conservation policies. Writing letters to elected officials supporting improved stewardship of water resources, and joining stakeholder organizations such as WPS which amplify the voices of individuals, are concrete actions we all can take to protect this most precious resource.
We encourage anyone interested in learning more or becoming a member of the Water Preservation Society to contact us at ssiwps@gmail.com.
-
-
by John Millson, Anne Parkinson, Samantha Scott, and Peter Ross
originally published in the DriftwoodFreshwater is vital to life on Salt Spring Island, and to a healthy marine realm surrounding our beautiful home. Efforts to understand, monitor and protect our island’s watersheds are increasingly needed to support our island communities’ freshwater sustainability. Healthy freshwater and marine ecosystems underpin our island’s community and its natural systems sustainability.
During 2022-2023, the Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society (SSIWPS), Marine Stewardship Group of Transition Salt Spring and Raincoast Conservation Foundation undertook a pilot study to examine water quality in seven creeks entering Fulford Harbour and possible effects on the adjacent marine ecosystems. The study goals included supporting the planned restoration of the sea gardens in W̱E¸NÁ¸NEĆ/Hwune’nuts (Fulford Harbour) by the W̱SÁNEĆ nations and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking nations. The participation of members from the W̱SÁNEĆ nations and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking nations delivered a strong sense of purpose, with Parks Canada contributing funding to the analyses.
The pilot undertook summer, fall and spring water sampling, and measured flow, temperature, water velocity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, metal concentrations and fecal coliform. The SSIWPS FreshWater Catalogue (FWC) provided a five-year baseline dataset which underpinned the pilot study field locations and informed an understanding of natural and seasonal change, key information for developing an appropriate pilot freshwater quality sampling program.
Our study measurement results largely fell within measured FWC ranges, from Fulford Harbour streams and other freshwater sampling sites across Salt Spring Island. There were no exceedances of B.C. environmental quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life for any of the water properties or metals. However, fecal coliforms were detected in the majority of water samples, indicating land-based contamination of creeks from wildlife, livestock, pets and/or humans. Fecal coliform counts were highest in summer and their detection raises questions about coliform sources (humans through failing septic tanks and/or faulty wastewater connections).
The results of our collaborative stewardship island watersheds pilot study were published recently in a pilot water quality report for streams discharging into W̱E¸NÁ¸NEĆ/Hwune’nuts (Fulford Harbour), Salt Spring Island, British Columbia report. The pilot study did not include pesticides, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, roadway contaminants or other contaminants of concern, “invisibles” that may originate from homes, businesses and roadways in the watersheds draining into Fulford Harbour. However, more than five years of SSIWPS-led freshwater cataloguing and watershed reconnaissance work (some 8,000+ recorded FWC field sites across the island’s watersheds) highlight several potential sources of invisibles that impact our island watersheds and creek-systems. Tagged “refuse” (tires, sofas, cars, “historic” household waste, etc.) occurs in multiple in-stream or near-stream settings within the Fulford Creek watershed and elsewhere.
The findings from the pilot study speak to the value of collaborative stewardship and of the need for sampling for a wider suite of contaminants. The pilot study report recommendations include:
Regular monitoring of the seven streams for coliform levels to establish temporal and seasonal trends,
Bacterial source tracking to identify the host species for coliform contamination in these streams,
A more in-depth study of Fulford Creek to assess the extent to which this principal freshwater stream in Fulford Harbour releases other contaminants of concern (“invisibles”), and
A regular forum that brings First Nations, government agencies and stewardship organizations together in support of transparency, sharing, monitoring for threats and solution opportunities for our precious fresh and marine water systems.
Future re-opening of shellfish harvesting in the sea gardens will benefit from comprehensive data that identifies threats to the freshwater that discharges into Fulford Harbour. A first glimpse into water quality in Fulford streams provides some reason for optimism, but suggests that we may wish to dig a little deeper into contaminants that were not part of this study. In-depth knowledge will provide meaningful guidance for best practices in Fulford-area watersheds.
To see the full report, visit: raincoast.org/reports/saltspring-pilot/. Want to get involved? Contact info@ssiwaterpreservationsociety.ca or marinestewardshipssi@gmail.com.
John Millson is a SSIWPS board director at large and the FWC project lead. Anne Parkinson is the chair of the Transition Salt Spring Marine Stewardship Group. Samantha Scott is the water quality coordinator at Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Peter S. Ross is senior scientist and director of the Healthy Waters Program at Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
-
Gail Sjuberg
originally published in the DriftwoodAn attempt to preserve a second 20-acre lot forming part of the “Larmour Lands” is coming down to the wire.
A community-driven fundraising campaign saw Lot H secured last October with the Salt Spring Water Preservation Society agreeing to hold the land and place a conservation covenant on it. Efforts to also purchase nearby Lot F from the late Michael Larmour’s estate have continued, with a May 31 deadline to make an offer now looming.
“We are hoping to have a purchase offer by the end of this month and we are hoping to bridge the gap in our funding, which is something like $100,000,” said Rodney Polden, who has been working on the conservation campaign in one way or another for well over a year.
One reason the goal is in sight is because of an offer from one generous donor to match funds up to $10,000. Charitable tax receipts are given for donations of $20 or more.
Polden hopes islanders will be motivated to make a pledge for the purchase when they realize that it’s something they can do to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
“Maintaining wetlands and forests are an excellent way to maintain the hydrology and level of moisture in the ground for the future,” he said.
Lot F has stunning mature forests, three separate wetlands and even an area zoned for agricultural use. It connects to Lot H to create a V-shaped 40-acre area, and adds to significant lands already protected privately by Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Covenants through the Islands Trust.
To donate to the Lot F purchase by etransfer or to get more information, contact ssiwps2020appeal@gmail.com. Polden can also answer any questions at penrod@saltspring.com or 250-537-5082.
Funds will be returned to donors if the purchase does not occur. -
Corinne Boucher
originally posted to the Salt Spring Exchange, with photos by Rodney Polden
A dedicated group of islanders is working to ensure over 8 acres of mature coastal Douglas fir, Western redcedar, and Bigleaf maple forest remains standing. This healthy mixed forest is on the upland portion of Lot F of the Larmour Lands, and its future is threatened. The community is invited to join us in this effort to prevent Lot F from being clearcut or developed.Through the generous support of many donors, the adjacent forest and wetlands of Lot H have recently been saved and will be preserved in perpetuity! Now the focus is on extending this and creating a larger protected area to increase and enhance the health and function of this important ecosystem. With conservation covenants already in place on nearby properties, the forest on Lot F is the missing puzzle piece. Connectivity is key to increasing biodiversity, and protecting Lot F’s forest will create 46 acres (about 18.5 hectares) of pristine natural habitat, now and forever.
Mature mixed forests like this are becoming increasingly rare in the Southern Gulf Islands. Research shows they hold 375 tonnes of carbon per hectare and sequester about 4 tonnes per hectare annually, so maintaining them represents our best way to offset our carbon emissions and fight climate change.
As well, this forest provides habitat for many species at risk such as the Western screech owl, pygmy owl, night hawk, red-legged frog, and Mexican freetail bat, known as the fastest creature in level flight.
Lot F also includes extensive wetlands, ponds, fertile farmland, and some of the largest trees on Salt Spring. Many beautiful old firs and arbutus are found throughout the ALR portion of the property and along Beddis Road. Legal arrangements are being prepared to protect them as well.
Forested wetlands are natural sponges that clean and hold water, releasing it slowly to maintain water levels in creeks and groundwater aquifers. On this property, the old Western redcedars play an important role in reducing peak flows along the slopes, helping to build soil, moderate storm damage and reduce erosion. Healthy moist forests are also resistant to fire and create vital fire breaks that reduce the community’s fire risk.
SSI Water Preservation Society is pleased to participate in this campaign to protect the lands once owned by a founder of the society, Mike Larmour. Mike understood the importance of protecting water resources and watersheds. Undisturbed wetlands and forests filter and purify water as it percolates through the soils, providing good quality drinking water for residents throughout the whole area. Protecting the ecological values of this land in perpetuity will honour Mike’s lifetime work and legacy.
SSI Water Preservation Society is now fundraising to protect Lot F of the Larmour Lands. They welcome donations of any size and invite you to learn more on their website.
-
Donald O. Hodgins, Ph.D., P.Eng.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Province issues licenses for surface water withdrawal for a range of purposes. Each license specifies the maximum amount that can be withdrawn over a defined period of time, usually one day or one year.
For St. Mary Lake, all licenses total 573 dam3 for the critical June-October summer season1. However, foran extreme drought the available safe yield during summer is about 350 to 380 dam3, substantially less than allowed by license.
In view of such a large difference, the purpose of this investigation was to uncover the guiding principle used by the Province in allocating a water resource, and to confirm the basis for the numbers applicable to St. Mary Lake as of 2015.
What I have concluded is this: the basic design principle is to allocate water licenses up to a limit that is available for climate average hydrological conditions, taking critical environmental flow thresholds into account. The Province recognizes that the full allocation will not be met during droughts, and has implemented a complex procedure for restricting or denying withdrawals2. These include rights by precedence based on when the license was issued.
The design principle is readily confirmed for Salt Spring Island, and for St. Mary Lake, as shown in this note. The weaknesses are obvious: there are dry winters when the runoff is inadequate to replenish the fully allocated storage, and there are summer droughts that result in significant shortages of water to meet the licensed withdrawal total. Periods when restrictions come into force are inevitable.
Current demand appears to be well below the licensed total for St. Mary Lake. NSSWD and CRD both withdraw less than their licenses (approximately 460 dam3 annually), which together account for 90% of the allocated total (1593 dam3). However, summer demand (June-October) is roughly 340 dam3 without water restrictions, leaving a reserve of about 12% of the safe yield3
-
We had hoped that when the Channel Ridge lands were sold in 2016, that the new owner would abandon the lawsuit against WPS and various agencies. Last December the new owner sent correspondence indicating an interest in proceeding with the lawsuit. But it is encouraging that we haven’t heard from them since then.
In September 2015, the Water Preservation Society was served with a lawsuit demanding, among other things, that the WPS return 272 acres of St. Mary Lake watershed to Channel Ridge Properties. The lawsuit, legally known as a Notice of Civil Claim, was filed by Paradigm Mortgage Investment Corporation (mortgage holder of Channel Ridge Properties) and Channel Ridge Properties Ltd. Also sued were the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD), the Islands Trust, and the Province.
The reserve lands came to the Society through a 1986 agreement between the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD), the Society, the Islands Trust, and other agencies that allowed increased residential development in Channel Ridge. The lawsuit claims, in part, that because of recent issues regarding the availability of water for new development in Channel Ridge this reserve should be returned to the developer. We think that the plaintiffs’ legal arguments for the return of the reserve lands are weak. However, WPS has to fight the lawsuit, or the community risks losing the land that has so many important values to our community.
Over the years, WPS has worked hard to keep these vital watershed lands in as pristine a condition as possible, which is no easy task given that there is public access to this area. Much of the WPS land is very steep; however, a few areas are relatively level with stunning views of St. Mary Lake and the mainland beyond. The rest of the land might be logged as it has been in the past. If this happens it could be devastating for St. Mary Lake, which has been plagued with blooms of toxin-producing cyanobacteria due to high levels of phosphorus. Land-clearing in the watershed could result in rains carrying more phosphorus into the lake making for more toxic blooms.
Senior lawyers at Woodward and Company in Victoria are handling WPS’s defence. They have been WPS's lawyers since the early 1980s and are familiar with its history. WPS thinks that the plaintiffs’ legal argument for the return of the watershed lands is weak. However, WPS has to defend itself or possibly lose the lands. Legal costs could be $50,000 or more depending on how long the legal wrangling goes on. One reason for the costs being high is that the case was filed in Kelowna, and our lawyers may have to travel there to appear in court.
These costs could easily exhaust WPS’s funds, carefully saved over many years from member donations and special bequests, including from one of our founders Tom Gossett. The WPS Board had planned to save this money to use for caring for this land and, in some cases, for restoring disturbed areas to their natural condition, all to protect St. Mary Lake drinking water.
The WPS Board of Directors is taking this challenge very seriously and will strive to do its utmost to maintain ownership of these lands, which are a precious resource for the entire Salt Spring Island community. In the 33 years since its formation in 1982, WPS has stood up to many who needed to be reminded of the importance of our drinking water sources. An example would be the long and successful battle WPS fought to keep gasoline-powered boats off of our drinking-water lakes.
With your help, WPS intends to fight this battle with the same seriousness of purpose. Our lawyers have submitted an initial response to the claim, which states that we do not believe the conditions for the return of the land to the developer as set out in the covenant have been met. If you would like a copy of the WPS response, please email us at ssiwps@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation to our legal fund. Just click on "make a donation" at the top of this website. Item description -
Mike Larmour
originally published in the DriftwoodMany years ago, as I walked along the shoreline of St. Mary Lake, I was struck by the sight of a vivid blue green scum along the waters edge. You would think that someone had spilled a can of oil paint. I now know that what I saw was a bloom of blue green algae, more correctly identified as cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria are thought to be some of the earliest life on earth, found in fossil records from 3.5 billion years ago. These bacteria, comprised of numerous species, are very adaptable, living in conditions ranging from deserts and hot springs to the Antarctic, but many species prefer warm water, adequate nutrition and light. Under ideal conditions for growth, the bacterial cells can multiply rapidly, forming a bloom, or if wind blown, a scum along a shoreline.
Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins which are liberated into drinking water. Acute toxicity, resulting in death in human populations, is not common because the drinking water becomes distasteful and people avoid its use. However, exposure to lesser concentrations of toxins may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches, as well as liver and kidney damage.
The health effects of long term exposure to lower levels of toxins have been examined. Based on rodent and pig studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined a provisional guideline for microcystin LR, a common cyanobacterial toxin, which may be used as a basis for drinking water regulations. Microcystin LR has been shown to promote the growth of tumor precursors raising concerns about cancer.
World wide, there have been numerous instances of domestic animal deaths from drinking water containing a high concentration of cyanobacterial toxin. Toxic cyanobacteria are present at times in our lakes, particularly those that are enriched with nutrients from development in their watersheds, soluble phosphorus being a key nutrient to promote blooms of cyanobacteria.
Over time, cyanobacteria have evolved mechanisms to help them compete with algae for nutrients and light, and avoid predation. For instance, many have the ability to move up and down in the water column to obtain nutrients, warmth and light as the seasons change and the lakes stratify.
Drinking water treatment to remove the bacterial cells is possible but may liberate toxins into the water. Removing toxins is much more difficult and expensive, and requires constant monitoring to be effective. Any failure in the process would put water consumers at risk.