The importance of protecting Salt Spring Island’s precious freshwater resources can’t be overstated. Living on an island with limited water means we all share a responsibility to care for this essential resource. Our lakes, aquifers, and rain streams systems are the foundation of life here — for people, plants, and wildlife alike.
With summer fast approaching, it’s especially important to think about how we use water outdoors. Capturing rainwater, reusing greywater where appropriate, and keeping a close eye on your consumption are practical ways we can reduce our impact and ensure that water remains available for everyone.
Every action counts. Whether you’re tending your garden, washing your car, or planning a new landscape, taking a moment to think about water makes a difference. Together, we can build a water-wise culture that keeps our island healthy and thriving, now and for future generations.
Thank you to everyone who is already part of this effort — your care and awareness truly ripple through our community.
Water Leaks: A Cautionary Tale
Every drop counts when you're on a metered water system. So when farmer Sue Earl spotted a sudden spike in usage, she knew something was wrong. Dive into this suspenseful and eye-opening tale of quick thinking, rural resilience, and one woman's race to stop water (and money) from going down the drain.
From Rainwater To Luscious Apples
Watch our newest video on Apple Luscious Orchard's rain-only irrigation system in the midst of increasingly hot summers.
Harry Burton tells us how to water 210 varieties of apples by catching rain!
Did you know?
Trees slow water down, allowing it to seep back into aquifers. Responsible forestry and land use near watersheds can prevent erosion, flooding, and support our watersheds.
Do you have any concerns about Water Security on SSI?
Andria Scanlan, our Climate Coach, hits the streets for Salt Spring Says:
Cornelia Gheorghe: We have two 3000 gallon cisterns collecting rainwater from the shed. It’s the only metal roof we have, and we upgraded our drip irrigation system this year in our 7 garden beds!
Bruce Mailey: We have a 1000 gallon cistern buried on our property, catching water from the roof. I have a submersible pump in the cistern. When it’s full I pump water into a 2500 gallon storage tank. The water I collect can be used for toilet flushing or outdoor irrigation. I have a drip irrigation system. I wish we had more storage and that catchment was part of the building code.
Nicole Flood: I am new to the island and just getting my garden going, but we reduce water use indoors and out in the summer.
Emily Williams: We are quite water aware. We cut back in the summer and have rain barrels collecting roof water for gardening.
Keep Your Garden Thriving: Essential Tips for Irrigation System Maintenance!
It is another beautiful season in our gardens, which means it's time to ensure our irrigation systems are in top shape! Here are some expert tips to keep your system running smoothly all year long
Watch and Learn: Planting in Guilds to Maximize our Watersheds
In this inspiring short film, witness a unique collaboration between the Gulf Islands Secondary School and Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Adaptation Research Lab (CARL). Grade 11/12 environmental science students step out of the classroom and into one of Salt Spring’s most critical ecosystems—the Hwmet'utsun (Mount Maxwell Creek)watershed.
FAST FACTS ABOUT WATERSHEDS
Did you know...
Our island has over 100 watersheds - each of these watersheds is unique, some have been heavily modified, and all crucially play a role in sustaining our freshwater.
Our natural watersheds’ vegetative cover plays a pivotal role in freshwater capture; vegetation around watersheds will increase both freshwater quantity and quality.
The island’s groundwater helps to maintain some of our lakes and creeks through something called 'baseflow', which supports and maintains surrounding natural systems.
In some areas of the island, owing to land use changes, the percent of water a watershed can hold may be significantly lower than 10%
One of the reasons that our watersheds are shrinking is deforestation and soil compaction.
Our watersheds capture less than 10% of the approximate 100 cm of rainwater that we expect seasonally. Even with intact natural systems, underground watersheds can only absorb about 10% of rainfall.
Deep Dive: Rainwater Harvesting Tips and Misconceptions
Keeping mosquitos out: Most tanks/barrels have a hole on the top for water to be let in, this can be covered with mesh to prevent mosquitoes from entering. But this is also primarily an issue if water is left unused - the life-cycle from egg to larva to mosquito is 7-14 days (depending on temp). If you use the water within that timeframe, it will prevent a breeding ground as the larva will not survive once it’s met with soil.
Algae: As long as you’re using the water for gardening, algae isn’t an issue, it’s a natural fertilizer! Algae need sunlight to grow, use dark barrels instead of light-coloured ones, and keep out of direct sunlight if possible.
Consumption: Rainwater can be drunk directly from the sky, the issue comes with the container it’s caught in - bacteria or other contaminants in the barrel is what makes it unsafe for human intake. However, more advanced systems for rainwater harvesting allow for better filtration, making it safe for consumption. Learn more.
Incentives for Rain Water Harvesting Offered by Transition Salt Spring
Now is the time to harvest the rain and secure your water supply. Funding is first come, first serve and available on EVERY Southern Gulf Island!
Don’t wait until the drought hits—get your system ready now!
Apply NOW to reserve your rebate!
Learn more & check eligibility through the link below
Special Thank You To Our Lighter Living Water Supporters!
Do you have a #LighterLiving story you'd like us to share?
Tell us what actions you're taking to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
More Lighter Living Stories
Join the Lighter Living Round Up!
Lighter Living is a Transition Salt Spring (TSS) initiative that promotes more sustainable and balanced lifestyle choices. It emphasizes living within our ecological means—aligning our consumption with the Earth’s ability to regenerate its resources. Today, there’s a wealth of science at the intersection of behavioral research, climate science, and social change. Our partners at One…
Lighter Living – Water, Our Lifeblood
Water connects us all-and protecting it means protecting our future. Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Program is here to help with practical tools to secure our island’s water resources. In the coming months, we’ll be talking to locals and highlighting best practices. Our goal is to share facts you need to know about water challenges…
Lighter Living – Eat More Plants
Adopting a plant-based diet and growing local food are powerful steps toward a healthier planet and community. By focusing on plants, we reduce the environmental impacts of food production, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and habitat loss. Growing food locally-whether in backyard gardens, community plots, or small farms-further cuts carbon footprints by reducing transportation…