Dear editor:
The editorial cartoon in the Friday, June 10 issue showed – yet again – the need to have accurate information put forward regarding water restrictions.
The cartoon attempted to draw a link between the recent release of water by BC Hydro (the results of which were beneficial to kayakers in the river), and the stage two water restrictions, now in place. BC Hydro makes decisions to release water from the dam in order to ensure the safety of the dam, for downstream flood risk management, to prevent potential erosion around the lake shoreline, and to protect fish habitat.
That water is untreated, non-potable water, as is the water in Comox Lake itself, other flood waters, and snowpack melt. What we water our lawn with (for those on the Comox Valley water system) is water that has been through the treatment process, and distributed via infrastructure, to our homes.
Water conservation and sprinkling restrictions are related to managing the use of our treated, drinkable water, and the capacity limits of the water system. Regardless of how much raw water may be available in Comox Lake, the water system that stores, transmits, disinfects and distributes the drinkable water throughout the community is complex, very expensive, and has a capacity limit. That capacity has to cover drinking water needs, our household use, our firefighting needs, our gardens and our lawns.
The water system is designed and constructed to meet peak water demands. These peaks occur in summer due to heavy outdoor water use, primarily lawn sprinkling. Water consumption can double or triple in summer months depending on various factors (e.g. weather, conservation).
During an average day from October to April, water use in the Comox Valley water system is about 16,000 cubic metres of water (one cubic metre of water is equivalent to 1,000 litres). Water usage takes a definite upturn in May, and during an average day in July and August more than triples the October to April amounts - to approximately 48,000 cubic metres.
The water system requires continual upgrading to replace aging components, meet new water quality standards and keep up with increasing water consumption levels. If we can design and construct these water system upgrades based on reduced demand scenarios then there will be significant long term cost savings to residents.
Additional benefits will include reduced operating costs (e.g. chlorination chemicals and electricity purchases for pumping), ensuring that sufficient capacity is available within the water system to meet our drinking water needs and fire flow requirements and better enabling CVRD to adapt to possible climate change impacts.
Marc Rutten, P. Eng.
Senior manager of engineering services
Property Services Branch
Comox Valley Regional District