World Water Day – March 22nd, 2022
For Release March 16, 2022, authored by SSIWPA
World Water Day reminds us we live at the intersection of climate change and elevated concern about our aWorld Water Day reminds us we live at the intersection of climate change and elevated concern about our ability to manage freshwater resources. Our surface and groundwater systems depend on rainwater for supply. Water infiltrates nearly every aspect of daily life. Whether hiking in forests or growing a garden, water is a crucial gift. The heat, drought and floods of 2021 serve as harbingers that guide our community toward wise action for water management.
To celebrate World Water Day on March 22, 2022, the Salt Spring Island Watershed Protection Alliance (SSIWPA) organized educational resources to help islanders adapt to the shifting norms.
“Water security is going to become an increasing concern for individuals and society as a whole. We are getting larger downpours and longer droughts. For those who are building in the Gulf Islands, it just makes sense to install a potable rainwater system,” stated Fernando dos Santos, whose rainwater system is featured in one of the soon-to-be released rainwater videos.
Later this spring, SSIWPA member Transition Salt Spring will launch the annual Climate Coach Rainwater Rebate program, offsetting the cost of rainwater storage for a limited number of qualifying applicants. Islanders may check for eligibility and join the waitlist.
Educational Resources:
- A Water Storage Challenge! Track the volume of rain storage that you add at ssiwpa.org – our goal for the island is to reach 3 million gallons before 2026.
- Algae, Cyanobacteria and Lakes – especially for those who draw water directly
- Know Your Groundwater Well – a SSI-oriented digital brochure
- Groundwater Resources At-a-glance
- Rainwater Harvesting Guide and Virtual Tours
- A beautiful short film: Freshwater Salt Spring. SSIWPA member, the Water Preservation Society, and the Stqeeye’ Learning Society portray how adaptation to a new freshwater climate norm should consider Indigenous watershed stewardship and western science. The film setting is at Xwaaqw’um “the place of the female Merganser Duck”, also known as Burgoyne Bay. SSIWPA is so grateful to all who contributed.
What will be your commitment toward freshwater sustainability on World Water Day? For more information and digital resources mentioned in this article, please visit SSIWPA or contact SSIWPA Coordinator, Shannon Cowan.
The Salt Spring Island Watershed Protection Alliance (SSIWPA) is a roundtable of government agencies and local organizations; a learning hub that provides an avenue for collaborative local freshwater monitoring and analysis. SSIWPA’s goal is to support the coordination of projects undertaken by its member agencies.