Living With Water: Information Links to Policy, Regulations and Best Practices for Water Resource Stewardship on Salt Spring Island
This index lists resource links under alphabetically-ordered categories. Links included here were developed by SSIWPA and it’s working groups to address aspects of island living that are impacted by, and have impacts on freshwater resources. The document is updated approximately twice per calendar year by SSIWPA Coordinator. Please communicate any broken links or additional information to the SSIWPA Coordinator (ssiwpa at islandstrust dot bc dot ca). Thank you!
Agriculture
Provincial (and Federal) Government:
Agricultural Land Use Inventory for Salt Spring Island:
Salt Spring Island Agricultural Water Demand Model 2017
Agricultural Water Calculator: http://www.bcagriculturewatercalculator.ca/
British Columbia’s Irrigation Scheduling Calculator – similar to above but different schedules for sprinkler, drip, pivot travelling gun, stationary gun systems: http://waterbucket.ca/aw/2013/02/23/british-columbia_s-irrigation-scheduling-calculator/
Environmental Farm Plan: https://www.bcac.bc.ca/ardcorp/program/environmental-farm-plan-program
Bylaws in Farming Areas – BC Ministry of Agriculture Guide for Bylaw Development
Irrigation Management Guide: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/irrigation/irrigation-management-guide
Nutrient Management Reference Guide: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/soil-nutrients/nutrient-management/nutrient-managment-reference-guide/nutrientmgmt_refguide.pdf
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Watershed Stewardship Guide for Agriculture Brochure: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/216753.pdf
Water Quality for agriculture and food safety: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/food-safety/good-agricultural-practices/4-1-water-quality
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
Agricultural Alliance on Salt Spring Island http://plantofarm.org/
Salt Spring Island Area Farm Plan 2008: http://masselinkdesign.com/pdf/reports/SSI%20Area%20Farm%20Plan.pdf
Keyline Water Management: crkeyline.ca
Water and Livestock:
http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/docs/livestock_drinking_water_brochure.pdf
http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/docs/cattle%20grazing%20in%20watersheds.pdf
Construction, Building and Real Estate
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation – information for property buyers, sellers and realtors, including inspection checklists: http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms/wpattachments/wpID3052atID5446.pdf
Local Government:
Islands Trust – Guide to Environmentally-Friendly Building and Renovating in the Gulf Islands – http://islandstrust.bc.ca/media/189932/sgienvirbldgguidejul2011.pdf
Islands Trust – Newcomer’s Guide to the Islands: http://islandstrust.bc.ca/media/96307/A%20Place%20In%20The%20Islands%20Complete%20and%20Final%20APITIbookFIN.pdf
Capital Regional District Potable Rainwater Systems for Domestic and Non-Domestic Use: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/building-inspection-pdf/bylaw3780.pdf?sfvrsn=2
The Salt Spring Island “Sustainability Checklist” : http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/341730/ssrptsustainabilitychecklist.pdf
Provincial Government:
BC Municipal Water Survey (2016). UBC Water Planning Lab.
http://waterplanninglab.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2016/03/BC-Municipal-Water-Survey-2016.pdf
Develop with Care – Guidebook for Urban and Rural Land Development:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bmp/devwithcare/
Climate Action
Conservation
Local Government:
Leaking faucet? How much water is wasted? Use this calculator:
https://www.mrrooter.ca/about/expert-tips/water-conservation/drip-calculator/
Water conservation tips for homeowners
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/water-conservation/at-home/outdoor-water-use
Regional drinking water services:
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/drinking-water/water-conservation
CRD Best Management Practices Guide to Water Conservation in the Public Sector – 2001: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/water-pdf/best-management-practices-for-water-efficiency-for-public-agencies.pdf?sfvrsn=0
Business water efficiency opportunity in Capital Regional District (not yet the islands)
http://www.crd.bc.ca/education/climate-action/at-work/food-services-water-energy-savings
BC Municipal Water Survey (2016). UBC Water Planning Lab.
http://waterplanninglab.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2016/03/BC-Municipal-Water-Survey-2016.pdf
Conservation Planning for Communities in B.C.: a How To Guide:
http://www.obwb.ca/water-conservation-guide-for-bc-now-available/#_blank
Provincial Government:
Conservation in BC Municipalities – a catalogue of what has been done; Drought Information Portal: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-conservation
[Note: Hard and Soft measures identified in categories. Catalogue on Implemented Water Efficiency Measures by Region appears dated – 1999]
Living Water Smart
Conservation Calculator Tool for Improvement Districts or Managers of Water Resources and Systems (several connections to supply source(s)): http://waterconservationcalculator.ca/
Water Planning and Strategies: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-planning-strategies
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC: www.waterbucket.ca
– click on the “Water Balance Model” for a hydrologic simulation of your property. Supported by Natural Resources Canada.
Greywater
Provincial Government
Health Regulations and System Design Specifications: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/sewage/provincial-composting-toilet-manual.pdf
Very Light Greywater from showers, baths and hand basins (not kitchen or laundry) is approved for toilet flushing grey water use, in the home, as a separate collection system, treatment and reuse when designed by an accredited plumbing engineer.
Sewerage System Standards of Practice: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems/sewerage-system-standard-practice-manual
Groundwater
Global:
University of Saskatchewan. 2019. A Global Groundwater Statement – A call to action. https://gwf.usask.ca/articles/2019/news-usask-water-expert-joins-global-call-to-action-to-protect-global-groundwater-sources.php
Local Government:
Land Use bylaws and Official Community Plans regulate land use with consideration of groundwater use, in some cases requiring permits. See Land Use and Community Planning below.
Toolkit Islands Trust: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/259555/groundwater-toolkit.pdf
Provincial Government
Water programs (quality, quantity, licensing, surface, groundwater, conservation): http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water
Resources for Water System Operators: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/drinking-water-quality/resources-for-water-system-operators?keyword=garp&keyword=assessment
Groundwater Resource Materials Links Page: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/brochures_forms.html
Provincial BC Well Index: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/data_searches/wells/
For assistance with well searches contact Front Counter BC Toll Free: 1-877-855-3222
Provincial Observation Well Network: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/groundwater-wells/aquifers/groundwater-observation-well-network
Ministry of Environment Groundwater Reference Library – reports, studies, tools : http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/library.html
Ministry of Environment Ecological Reports Catalogue – archive of completed environment (e.g. water, wildlife) related studies for B.C.: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecocat/
Model Well Regulation Bylaw – A guide for local governments:
http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/library/Model_Well_Regulation_Bylaw_Guide.pdf
Well Protection Tool Kit for preparation of well protection plans: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/wells/well_protection/wellprotect.html
Groundwater Regulations and Legislation
Water Sustainability Act Part 3 – Wells and Groundwater Protection: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/14015#division_d0e7668
Groundwater Protection regulation: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/39_2016
Groundwater Licensing Regulations: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-licensing-rights/water-licences-approvals/new-requirements-for-groundwater-users
B.C. Ministry of Health Drinking Water Programs – information on water supply system permitting and operation: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/drinking-water-quality
Safe Water Supply: Groundwater in BC. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/safe-water-supply-vital-health.pdf
Groundwater Treatment Objectives: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/water-quality-objectives/west-coast-region
Provincial Mapping Resources:
B.C. Water Resources Atlas and iMap BC (GIS): http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-science-data/water-data-tools
Guide to using intrinsic aquifer vulnerability mapping (vulnerability to contaminants): http://www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/Home/View/7838
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/trust-council/advocacy/groundwater-regulation-advocacy.aspx (resource links at bottom of page)
Toolkit by Okanagan Water Board: http://www.obwb.ca/library/groundwater-bylaws-toolkit/
B.C. Groundwater Assn. – information for industry and public: http://www.bcgwa.org/index.htm
Qualified Professionals
MoE Registry of Qualified Well Drillers: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/water-wells/well_drillers_reg.pdf
MoE Registry of Qualified Well Pump Installers: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/water-wells/pump_install_reg.pdf
Groundwater Consultants in B.C. (Qualified Professionals): https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Member-Directories/APEGBC-Membership-Directory
Land Use and Community Planning
Local Government
Bylaw 434. Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan (2008). Objectives that relate to watershed management and land use planning: http://islandstrust.bc.ca/islands/local-trust-areas/salt-spring/bylaws/salt-spring-island-official-community-plan-bylaw-no-434/
• Watershed and Islet Residential Designation Section B.8.1. (e.g. B.8.1.1.2. To avoid an increase in development or activity within watershed catchments.)
• Objective C.3.2.1.3 “…to ensure that zoning changes do not result in such a level of development in North Salt Spring Waterworks District, such that water would not be available for firefighting, hospital and school expansion, and affordable housing.”
• Objective c.3.2.1.5 applies to regulation of the demand of “island water sources” (not only St Mary Lake) to ensure that agricultural activities can still obtain water.
Bylaw 434. Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan (2008). Volume 2. Part E.5. Page 34. Development Permit Area 5: Community Well Capture Zones, requiring a permit be issued prior to development in this water sensitive area. (Reference: Potter, R. P.Eng. 1996. “Gulf Islands Groundwater” for the Islands Trust.): http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/343777/ss-bl-355-2017-consolidation-2017-02-15.pdf
and,
http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/341403/capture-zones-community-water-supply-wells.pdf
Land Use Bylaw no. 355 Sections 4.4 – 4.6 inclusive on General Regulations for Setbacks from water bodies and wells.
Land Use Bylaw no. 355 Subdivision Servicing Regulations require adequate amounts of potable water be proven at time of subdivision: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/islands/local-trust-areas/salt-spring/bylaws/salt-spring-island-land-use-bylaw-no-3
Riparian Areas Regulation. Bylaw 480. Amendment no. 2 adopted May 14, 2015 in the Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan Volume 2. http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/329646/ss-bl-ocp-434-volume-2-consolidated-version-july-2015.pdf
Madrone Environmental Services Ltd. (2012) The Salt Spring Island Riparian Areas Regulations Peer Review – St Mary Lake and Cusheon Lake Watersheds (Prepared for Stefan Cermak, Islands Trust by Madrone Environmental Services Ltd.): http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/241698/Peer_Review_Fina_Report_for_St_Mary_Lake_and_Cusheon_Lake_RAR_Assessment_Peer_Review_Salt_Spring_Island.pdf
Land Use Planning Tools: http://islandstrust.bc.ca/trust-council/projects/water-resource-information-for-islanders/land-use-planning-tools/
The Salt Spring Island “Sustainability Checklist” : http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/341730/ssrptsustainabilitychecklist.pdf
Local Government Maps and Development Permit Areas:
Map 1 in OCP Schedule A “Land and Shoreline Use Designations”, available at: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/328042/ocp_1.pdf
Map 21, Bylaw 434. Development Permit Area 4 Lakes, Streams and Wetlands: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/341423/ssbylbaseocp0434map21.pdf
Map 28. Bylaw 434. DPA7 Riparian Areas: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/328027/ocp_28.pdf
Provincial Government
Water Planning: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-planning-strategies
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
http://islandstrust.bc.ca/trust-council/advocacy/groundwater-regulation-advocacy/
Rainwater
Rain Harvesting and Water-Wise Landscaping
Local Government
Capital Regional District. Benefits of rainwater harvesting:
Islands Trust – Guide to Environmentally-Friendly Building and Renovating in the Gulf Islands – http://islandstrust.bc.ca/media/189932/sgienvirbldgguidejul2011.pdf
Drainscapes video Cowichan Valley Regional District – http://cvrd.waterbalance-express.ca/
Rainwater Harvesting Best Practices Guidebook (Regional District of Nanaimo Green Building resources): http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=3098
Provincial Government
Rainwater – Greywater Health Regulations and System Design Specifications:
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
Regional District of Nanaimo (Bob Burgess) Rainwater Harvesting Best Practices Guide:
CANARM
ARCSA (US)
http://www.arcsa.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqvbF2Jil1gIVBgppCh2uFgetEAAYASAAEgJtXPD_BwE
Local consultants / Suppliers Salt Spring Island:
http://gulfislandsirrigation.com
List of rain barrel suppliers in Greater Victoria.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/water-pdf/cisternsupplierslistapril09.pdf?sfvrsn=6
Storm Water and Runoff
Bylaw 2454 Salt Spring Island Stormwater Quality Management Extended Service Establishment No. 1, 1996: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/crd-document-library/bylaws/liquidwasteseptagesewersourcecontrolandstormwater/2454—salt-spring-island-stormwater-quality-management-extended-service-establishment-no-1-1996B.pdf?sfvrsn=0
Septic
Local Government
Homeowner’s Septic Information Webpage: https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/sewers-wastewater-septic/septic-systems
Resource page: http://www.crd.bc.ca/service/sewers-wastewater-septic/septic-systems/septic-system-resources
Land Use FAQs (Island Health): http://www.viha.ca/mho/Land_Use_FAQS.htm
CRD septic system owner information
CRD septic information line at 250-360-3187
CRD septic email inquiries septic@crd.bc.ca.
Infosheet: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/septic-savvy/septic_infosheet.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Dos and Don’ts: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/septic-savvy/septicsavvybrochure-jan-2011.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Drainfield Info Sheet: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/septic-savvy/septic_infosheet1_drainfield.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Garburators and In-Sink Garbage Disposals (organics):
http://www.askthebuilder.com/septic-tank-garbage-disposal/
Maintenance Record Sheets – https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/septic-savvy/septicsystemmaintenancelocationrecord.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Septic and water conservation – https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/septic-savvy/water-conservation.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Sewerage and subdivision – http://www.viha.ca/mho/Land_Use.htm
Workshops – https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/sewers-wastewater-septic/septic-systems/septic-savvy-workshops
FAQs about Septic: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/septicsavvyonsitefaqtype1.pdf?sfvrsn=2
How to find your septic tank: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/septic_tank.pdf
Caring for your Onsite Septic System: http://www.viha.ca/nr/rdonlyres/29102297-81e8-4f5e-8bfd-3b5286386c2f/0/caring_for_your_onsite_sewage_disposal_system_disposal.pdf
What Health Regulations apply to Septic Systems?: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=1B1F09DF74D24580BD6CC28AF4F30074
Who can service Septic Systems?: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems/onsite-sewage-system-management#authorized-persons
CRD Septic Videos:
How Septic Systems Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D6edKPsniM
What can go wrong with your septic system?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFcVH4H6Ge4
Operating and Maintaining a Septic System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7egqnL0PiPs
Regulations:
Management of Onsite Sewage Systems in the CRD. Bylaw 3478. 2007: https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/document-library/Documents/bylaws/liquidwasteseptagesewersourcecontrolandstormwater
Septic Bylaw 3479: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/septic-pdf/onsite-sewage-systems-bylaw-crd-bylaw-no-3479.pdf?sfvrsn=6
Septic Bylaw Information Page with FAQ: https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/sewers-wastewater-septic/septic-systems/certifying-septic-maintenance
Provincial Government
Onsite Sewage System Management: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems/onsite-sewage-system-management
Environmental Management Act. Municipal Wastewater Regulations.: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/87_2012
Greywater and Composting Toilet Health Regulations and System Design Specifications:
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
http://tiredofdealingwithdrips.com/blog/will-garbage-disposal-work-septic-tank/
Ecological Science and Stewardship
Lakes, Streams and Water Quality
Local Government
Please see Land Use Planning Section of this resource.
Educational Resources and Stewardship Activities (K-7 curriculum): www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds
Provincial Government
Licenses and Water Quantity
Surface Water Licensing and Rights: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-licensing-rights
Rules for water licensing and approvals: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-licensing-rights/water-licences-approvals
Potential diversion from a sensitive stream: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-licensing-rights/sensitive-streams
Water Quality Guidelines
Province of British Columbia Approved Water Quality Guidelines: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/water-quality-guidelines/approved-water-quality-guidelines
Water Supply System Permitting and Regulation: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/drinking-water-quality
BC Surface Water Treatment Objectives: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/drinking-water-quality/how-drinking-water-is-protected-in-bc
Water Treatment Regulations: http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/200_2003
B.C. Ministry of Health Publications – fact sheets on well testing and water quality concerns: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile05b.stm
Safe Water Supply: Groundwater in BC. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/safe-water-supply-vital-health.pdf
Health Canada water quality resources: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/index-eng.php
Salt Spring Island Watershed Science
Salt Spring Island Watershed Protection Authority Reports (Technical Working Group) – studies on stormwater, phosphorus lake inputs and budgets, phosphorus impacts on algal communities, drought analysis, water conservation and efficiency, safe yield modelling, and more….please click here.
Squires. M. “A Guide – Recommendations for Lake Research”. February 2016: http://www.northsaltspringwaterworks.ca/wordpress_water/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/A-Guide-to-St-Mary-Lake-Use-Misuse-Disuse-of-Aeration-What-is-Normal-Future-Research-Feb.-27-Squires-M.pdf
Habitat and Species Conservation
Local Government
Green Shores for Homes: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/trust-council/projects/green-shores-for-homes/
Shoreline Stewardship Principles: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/islands/island-ecosystems/caring-for-my-shoreline/
Provincial Government
BC Riparian Areas Regulation: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/fish/riparian-areas-regulation
Riparian Areas Revegetation Guidebook: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/fish-fish-habitat/riparian-areas-regulations/rar_reveg_guidebk_sept6_2012_final.pdf
Fish Protection Act: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/habitat/fish_protection_act/act/documents/act-theact.html
Species At Risk and Biodiversity
Biodiversity: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/bio.htm
Species at Risk Protection Strategies: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/species-ecosystems-at-risk
Advocacy, Education, Associations and Other:
Fish and Invasive Species
http://www.gofishbc.com/Blog.aspx (Learn about native/non-native fish species. Avoid illegal fish introductions.)
http://www.bcinvasives.ca/ (Manage wetlands and waterways. Avoid illegal plant, animal introductions.)
Educational Tools:
http://www.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle-kids-beg.html
Local Organizations:
Island Stream and Salmon Enhancement Society: salmonkathy@gmail.com
Salt Spring Island Conservancy: http://saltspringconservancy.ca/
General Wildlife and Ecological Conservation Links for Salt Spring Island: http://saltspringconservancy.ca/get-involved/links/
SSI Water Preservation Society: http://www.ssiwaterpreservationsociety.ca/
Cusheon Lake Stewardship Committee: http://www.cusheonlakestewardship.com/home.htm
Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning: http://www.gicel.ca/
Big Trees on Salt Spring Island: http://www.rdcraig.com/bigtrees/
Provincial, National, Others:
Land Trust Alliance of BC: http://ltabc.ca/
British Columbia Lake Stewardship Society: http://www.bclss.org/
Nature Conservancy of Canada: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/who-we-are/
Living Lakes Canada: http://www.livinglakes.ca/
Canadian Wildlife Service: https://www.ec.gc.ca/paom-itmb/default.asp?lang=En&n=5f569149-1
University of Utah Extension Service Best Practices for Stream Monitoring: http://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/bmps/bmp_guidance
United States National Forest System: http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/resources/pubs/watershed/FS_National_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf