The Capital Regional District public tour of the water facility is outstanding and made me realize that we are the beneficiaries of an incredible gift of nature. In many communities across Canada, water quality is not always as high as we have it here.
I learned that the reservoir bowl, with Sooke Hills surrounding, has little snow pack, so it is primarily the annual 1,600 millimetres of rainfall that replenishes it. We are drinking from a pristine water source surrounded by forests with shiny carpets of salal and acres of healthy sword ferns under the canopy of tall trees.
Our “single-use watershed” is unique in North America, meaning that the focus of land use and staff is on delivering the best possible environment for drinking water. Protecting water quality is their only priority.
I learned that the 7.5-kilometre-long reservoir is a gravity-fed system, with only a small area requiring pumping, for 350,000 people. It is a relatively cheap system with high-quality water with a good ph level (less likely to “eat” water pipes). As part of the treatment facility that disinfects the water, UV lights are used to decrease chemical use. Raw water is tested daily to make sure there are no pathogens. Consequently, our water comes in very clear.
I learned about our long history of having abundant quantities of clear, clean water. We have a system well-cared for by some highly skilled professionals.
Stewart Irwin, who led the tour, gave us insights into the 250-year planning horizon they use. Imagine that! There are not many businesses operating with that kind of wisdom, foresight, and collaboration.
Where B.C. Hydro lines go through the watershed, pesticides are not used. It seems every aspect of stewardship for the reservoir is carefully thought through.
Marie Robertson, a registered professional forester, described forest fire as the highest risk to the reservoir. She gave an overview of the lengths to which she and her crew go to ensure the safety and health of surrounding forests. She provided lots of emphasis on fire prevention and described what sounds like a forester’s dream job: “It is absolutely fantastic working here because of the range of forest issues we manage.
“We believe old growth forest [conditions] provide better water.”
The tour was well-organized and worth the five hours it takes. I came away with a strong sense of how fortunate we are. I am proudly wearing my “I [heart/love] B.C. water” lapel button.
Several years ago, I remember hearing David Suzuki say that “if you live in B.C. and don’t drink the water, you are nuts; and if you are spending your money on bottled water, you are double nuts.” I liked hearing a scientist say that in beautiful plain language.
And now I understand exactly what he meant. I have a better sense today of why the medical health officer believes there is no health advantage to drinking bottled water.
I felt honoured to witness the Sooke Reservoir and surrounding area that likely looks no different than it did 100 years ago.
This chance to hear from the caretakers of our drinking water facility was a real privilege. Turning on the tap in my home is a different experience now.
Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the public tours. Go if you can. You can only come away feeling grateful to have witnessed the abundance of our shared wealth.
Thelma Fayle is the author of Ted Grant: Sixty Years of Legendary Photojournalism, to be launched in Canada by Heritage House Publishing Co. on Oct. 15.
