Lighter Living – Water, Our Lifeblood

The stakes are high. Our water systems are finite. All the water we have is all we’ll ever have. It must meet the needs of our growing community, as we desperately need connections for affordable housing in our village cores.  Limited water supply has prevented affordable housing developments on Salt Spring for over a decade.  Our supply must support our agriculture and sustain the natural wildlife and ecosystems that make Salt Spring so special. Yet climate change, overuse, and pollution put our water supplies at risk. Our daily water use averages around 500 litres per person in winter and 700 litres in summer.  Nearly one-third (28%) of that clean, potable water is flushed straight down the toilet.

Salt Spring Island is fortunate to have such clean water that it does not have to go through an extensive chemical treatment but instead relies on air to separate additives from our water, combined with UV and chlorine treatment. However, this privilege comes with responsibility. Salt Spring Island relies on rain-fed reservoirs, groundwater (which is limited), and small watersheds, making it highly vulnerable to seasonal droughts and climate change. Using the Maxwell Creek Watershed as an example, longer periods without rain result in slower and reduced recharge of Lake Maxwell. When the rain does end up coming it is only for short, torrential bursts and the water rushes downhill without time to saturate deep into the soil for filtration and rejoin the aquifer. This results in water stress on both the community and the environment.  The water cycle regulates local forests, wetlands, and marine environments, affecting biodiversity, fish and wildlife populations, soil moisture, and the risk of fire.  Disruptions in the water cycle can lead to contamination (for example, salinization of aquifers and algal blooms), requiring costly treatment and management.

We risk losing this rare and valuable resource without proactive measures to protect our watersheds, limit pollution, and conserve water.  By adopting water-smart habits—like using low-flow fixtures, repairing leaks, and collecting rainwater—we can each play a role in protecting our shared water resources. By taking small actions, we can make a big impact. Additionally, advocating for policies that balance development with sustainable water management ensures a future where both people and the environment can thrive. Reducing our water use helps ensure there is enough water for everyone and keeps our ecosystems healthy. Preserving our forests and wetlands, and using native plants to landscape, helps slow rainwater runoff, allowing it to replenish the groundwater beneath our feet. Planning for sustainable development and minimizing pollutants ensures we protect what we have for future generations.

In the months ahead, Transition Salt Spring's Lighter Living Program will be showcasing The Ripple Effect; a host of local stories, best practices, DIYs and how-tos, facts you should know, local efforts and small practical steps we can all take in order to make a big impact and secure a sustainable future for our island's water.