NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 MAY 2011

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Water Restrictions Necessary

In British Columbia, we take water for granted. An appearance of abundance causes apathy, and governments, both Provincial and Federal, do little to protect domestic drinking water. Even more revealing is the attitude of Canadians who say they are conserving water yet according to a recent Ipsos Reid study, their actions do not bear out their statements.

"There is an obvious disconnect between Canadians' attitudes towards water conservation and what they're actually doing," says leading water expert Bob Sandford, Chair, Canadian Partnership Initiative of the United Nations Water for Life Decade. "Canadians say they are much more concerned about the availability and quantity of fresh water than any other natural resource, yet their efforts to conserve water are actually decreasing. This should be a huge concern given that we live in a society run by water and the long-term supply of this precious resource is already at risk in many parts of the country," he adds.

The Shirley community seems to be willing to put its money where its mouth is. The efforts of water users in the SWW service area have been good over all, but given the limited supply of available water and the amount of water allowed to be removed from Goudie Creek according to our water licence, we can do better.

Please join with your neighbours and work to conserve water as much as possible. This newsletter contains many conservation ideas for you and your family.

At the last two meetings of SWW shareholders and subscribers, motions were passed to:

Authorize the utility to implement water conservation measures; and Adopt water conservation guidelines similar to the CRD water restrictions for the SWW service area to go into effect in 2011.

Here are the details for SWW water restrictions for 2011. Since we have had an unusually wet spring, the restrictions will not go into effect until May 15th, whereas normally they would be in force May 1 – September 30 each year. We are aiming for a 10% reduction in water use.

Lawn watering may only be done using this schedule.

Established trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens may be watered by hand using a hose with a shut-off device or hand held container, or micro/drip irrigation system, on any day at any time.

Established trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens may be watered with a sprinkler on any day, but only during the restricted watering times.

A person who has installed a new lawn, either newly seeded or new sod may water outside of the permitted days but within restricted hours. [Seed 49 days, Sod 21 days]

As before, residential swimming pools may not be filled at any time.

WHAT’S NEW?

New Gate: You will have noticed that a new gate has gone up just above the pump house, which not only looks great and tidies up the area, but will provide better security for the water system.

Watershed Signage: You may also have noticed that small signs have been planted throughout the watershed to warn walkers/ hikers that they are entering a watershed.

WATER TARIFF

SWW will be looking at our water rates and comparing them with those of water users in other service areas. One of the challenges is to establish rates that not only cover the cost of running the system but also an amount that will allow us to amortize the cost of repair and replacement of aging infrastructure. The Comptroller of Water has told small water systems to look at the amount they are setting aside for replacement since many systems are of an age where system failure may occur if there are insufficient funds to schedule and carry out repair/replacement activities on a regular basis. As we move forward there will be opportunities for consultation and discussion on these important issues.

Even Addresses

Lawn watering allowed Wednesdays and Saturdays

4 – 10 am and 7 – 10 pm

Odd Addresses

Lawn watering allowed Thursdays and Sundays

4 – 10 am and 7 – 10

2876 Woodhaven Road, Shirley, BC V9Z 1G6NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 MAY 2011

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE The SWW Board and staff have begun a process to create a business plan – one that will carry us forward into the future. Much remains to be done to upgrade our water system and make it sustainable over the long haul. Though improvements to the pump house have been completed, they will have been in vain if we do not upgrade our distribution system and storage capacity.

Our water is of top quality when it leaves the pump house, having gone through sand and membrane filtration, UV and chlorination; but aging pipes and a closed end piping system make it difficult to maintain chlorine to the far reaches of the system. Those who take their water close to the pump house get more chlorine than they want or need; those at the ends less. This will be our challenge in the next five years.

CHANGES TO WATER TESTING Recently Vancouver Island Health Authority changed the way it requires sampling and testing of water by water systems.

Sheringham Water Works now tests twice a month. Samples of our water are taken to a Victoria Lab for testing and the results supplied directly to VIHA. VIHA covers the cost of the testing, a change in policy that is saving SWW money every month.

The good news is that test results have been satisfactory since the new system was implemented in 2011.

Protection For Goudie Creek Watershed

For more than two years, Sheringham Water Works has been looking for ways to effectively protect the watershed that provides domestic drinking water for the Shirley Community.

Local CRD Water is Protected The CRD has been fortunate enough to use tax dollars to be able to purchase land to protect almost 98% of the watershed that provides water for CRD ratepayers. Because SWW is a community-owned water system it does not have the resources necessary to make outright purchases of land in the watershed. However, the Board, along with staff, has been looking at every option to protect the Goudie Creek watershed, both surface and ground water, most of which is currently owned by Western Forest Products.

Province’s Decision on TFL lands Hurt SWW Efforts The Province’s decision to allow removal of lands from TFL 25 without consultation and without proper watershed protection has had a major NEGATIVE impact on SWW watershed protection efforts. While the watershed lands were within the TFL, there was a commitment to protect drinking water sources. Now that the land has been removed, sale of many of the lands, including some of the parcels that contain our watershed is imminent. Once these lands pass into private ownership, developers would have virtually no responsibility for watershed protection.

Talking with WFP - No government assistance for SWW Once the decision was made to remove the land from the TFL, SWW engaged legal representation to meet and speak with representatives of WFP. When Duncan Kerr was President of WFP, there was no interest in working with SWW on protection issues. At that time, SWW approached Minister Ida Chong asking for assistance, she refused any assistance

commenting instead that watershed protections already existed in the law. Contrary to Minister Chong, our legal team discovered there is very little if any protection in existing law for water quality and nothing to guarantee quantity.

As the months went by, Mr. Kerr left WFP and new management took over. The new management was willing

to begin discussions with our legal team to work out a plan and

strategy. Since that time, there have been several meetings SWW staff, Board members and the legal team.

Watershed Report Commissioned A hydrology firm was engaged with costs being split between SWW and WFP (25%/75%) to define exactly where Goudie Creek gets its water. (A copy of the report is available on the SWW website) The report also explored a number of critical questions with regard to watershed protection including:

How can the water quality and quantity be preserved? Where is the source of water for SWW and how can it be protected?

What part of the WFP lands removed

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from the TFL contain the Goudie Creek Watershed? What options are there to protect the watershed?

Current Update The process is ongoing. Several discussions have been held with representatives of WFP and SWW to outline what might work to protect the watershed.

Options on the table include Some type of covenant to protect portions of the watershed that are contained within WFP land; or SWW purchasing small segments of affected property to protect the watershed.

More information will be posted on the SWW website as it becomes available.

SWW BILLING

As you know SWW subscribers are billed $420 per year for water. This amount may be paid in full at the beginning of the year, or in three equal instalments of $140 each. Instalments are due January 1st, May 1st, and September 1st. Subscribers may pay by cash, cheque or credit card to our accounting firm Sterling & Gascoigne. It is also possible to pay through Pay Pal on-line. To contact Sterling & Gascoigne, please call 250 480-0558 or drop in to their office at 1560 Fort Street to make a payment in person.

Please pay on time as it enables us to concentrate on running the system – and saves the cost of follow-up letters and collection procedures. We appreciate your cooperation.

If you have questions about the water system, please contact System Operator, Robert Vanveen 250 646-2213, or Administrator, Terri Alcock 250 646-2528.

Visit the SWW website for more information. www.sheringhamwaterworks.org

100 Ways To Conserve Water

#1 There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

#2 When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

#3 Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings. #4 Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. #5 Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. #6 Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips. #7 Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps. #8 Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time. #9 Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

#10 For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

#11 Monitor your water use for unusually high flow. Look around your yard and your home to discover leaks. #12 Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

#13 Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap. #14 Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

#15 Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time. #16 If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds replace the shower head with a water- efficient model. #17 Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants. #18 If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption. #19 We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks. #20 Don’t use SWW domestic water to fill your spa, check your spa periodically for leaks. #21 Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.

#22 When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient. #23 Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month. #24 Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.

#25 Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped. #26 When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants. #27 Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

#28 Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

#29 When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up. #30 Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.

#31 Collect water from your roof to water your garden. #32 Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash. #33 Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering. #34 Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining. #35 Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

#36 Use drip irrigation for shrubs/ trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.

#37 Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week. #38 Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.

#39 When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load. #40 Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use. #41 Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.

#42 Use a water-efficient shower head. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

#43 Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean. #44 Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates. #45 Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. #46 Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home. #47 To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.

#48 Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while under watering others. #49 Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.

#50 Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape. #51 Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.

#52 Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Don’t wash your car with SWW domestic water. #53 Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water. #54 Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month. #55 Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.

#56 Encourage your school system to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults. #57 Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.

#58 Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute. #59 If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it. #60 Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

#61 Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

#62 Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs. #63 Only water plants when you have to – check moisture with a meter. #64 If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

#65 Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it's time to water. #66 If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions. #67 When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.

#68 When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

#69 To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower. #70 Bathe your young children together.

#71 Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings. #72 Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting. #73 Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings. #74 When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.

#75 Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.

#76 Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings. #77 Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.

#78 Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses. #79 Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants. #80 Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month. #81 If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank. #82 Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills. #83 Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors. #84 Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation. #85 Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or SWW. #86 Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains. #87 Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil. #88 Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground. #89 Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more. #90 Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. #91 One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.

#92 Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

#93 Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month. #94 Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water. #95 When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too. #96 Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it. #97 Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface. #98 When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed. #99 Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water. #100 For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.