Salt Spring already has freshwater challenges that impact potable water supplies, farms and gardens, and water-sensitive ecosystems. In spring 2020, the island was under conservation drought measures, and burning had been banned. Warmer and drier summers, and more intense winter precipitation, will exacerbate the situation in the coming decades. 

Lakes and streams supply over half the drinking water on Salt Spring Island, while groundwater and rainwater storage provide the remainder. Annual water recharge comes entirely from winter rain. Decreased rainfall, higher temperatures, forest fires, and increased run-off during torrential rains will increase water demand and decrease supply.  Increased turbidity from increased storm activity and forest fires interferes with water disinfection and treatment, while excess nutrients can cause algal blooms, leading to taste and odour issues and potential risks to human health.  

These increased stresses on freshwater supplies make the need for water conservation more urgent than ever. Salt Spring Islanders must get better at capturing and storing winter rainfall while improving the efficiency of summer outdoor water use. This will be especially important in coastal areas supplied by wells because overdrawing groundwater can lead to saltwater intrusion.  

Many creeks and wetlands play a role in storm-water management. During extreme weather events or peak run-off, creeks can flood and soils become saturated, increasing run-off and flooding low-lying areas. Clearing trees reduces water infiltration into soils and aquifers, allowing more water runoff to the sea. 

Extreme summer water shortages affect drinking water quality, ecosystem health, the quality and costs of community water supply, and water-dependent industries such as tourism and food processing. Human health can be impacted by a rise in water-borne and vector-borne diseases. In addition, people with natural-resource-based livelihoods can face unemployment and lost businesses, resulting in economic and psychological distress. Recovery from such extreme seasonal water shortages can take months and cost the economy and government millions of dollars.

The future viability and safety of our island’s potable water supply will be under increasing threat if we do not act now to protect it in the face of increasing drought, higher temperatures, and more damaging storms. Forests and freshwater ecosystems are two key interlocking pieces that can help build community resilience in the face of multiple climate-change-related threats.