Water Woes - Ground Water Contamination

a_gw_contamGroundwater contamination has been an issue of concern recently in the North Okanagan. The communities of Coldstream and Lavington are feeling the effects of a contaminated groundwater supply. It has been reported that flooding of agricultural fields transported contaminants to the Antwerp Springs wells. These wells provide water for portions of Coldstream and Lavington. Contaminated groundwater can be complex to treat and may be very expensive to correct if possible at all.

 

While much water contamination is accidental; some water quality security can be provided by source protection. Source protection can be as simple as smart well location or as complex as changing practices on the landscape surrounding an unconfined (open) aquifer. Well protection is particularly important for unconfined aquifers which are recharged by surface water. Well protection can be undertaken at the community or municipal level with studies to outline groundwater sources, inputs, outputs and quality. A protection plan is then developed to suitably prevent damages to the groundwater supply. One municipality that is leading the way on these matters is the Township of Langley which is developing a community Water Management Plan. Locally we are taking a broader basin-wide approach with planning and studies underway led by the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB). The OBWB is working on addressing issues of scarcity, water quality and water security throughout the Okanagan Valley.
Steps you can take in the protection of water quality include;
  • Proper storage of chemicals, fuels or fertilizers on your property
  • Ensuring septic systems are properly operating and maintained
  • Ensuring proper storage for manure on agricultural lands
For more information
http://www.livingwatersmart.ca/
http://www.obwb.ca/
http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/notices/antwerp_springs.php
Image Source
http://www.woodstockconservation.org/images/a_gw_contam.jpg
Matt Davidson is an Environmental Consultant with Sage Environmental in Vernon BC
www.sageenvironmental.ca