Editor:
It’s unfortunate that the author of one of last week’s letters [in the Coast Reporter] did not feel the discussion he attended on the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s water strategy was as expected.
He raised the potential development of new water supply from Clowhom Lake and Sakinaw Lake and was informed by staff that, as part of this year’s budget, the SCRD Board has already approved projects to confirm if these and other potential surface and groundwater sources can meet the needs of the community 10 to 30 years from now. We are also working on a potential raw water reservoir, at Site B above the Sechelt Airport, which is an identified location where we can do further geotechnical drilling this summer. This preliminary work is essential for determining the feasibility and costs, so the SCRD can make informed decisions about the best long-term water supply sources for the region.
In the meantime, work is under way to address the current water supply crisis; there are shovels in the ground for both the Church Road and Langdale groundwater projects, and we plan to install the remaining water meters later this year.
We agree with you, we all want the current water crisis addressed now and for the long-term, and the SCRD is doing just that. But the water strategy is about more than just water supply. We need to think holistically about our water system infrastructure, protecting drinking watersheds, and our water conservation programs, to ensure we have safe and reliable water into the future.
Residents of the Sunshine Coast can have your say on the future of water in our region. Visit letstalk.scrd.ca/water-strategy and tell us what you think.
Darnelda Siegers,
SCRD Board Chair
