May 2007
May 31, 2007
Abundance?
Canadians in general are convinced that Canada is a water-rich country. Especially in places like BC where water seems to be all around us. And at times of the year when there appears to be too much water for our systems to handle. We have all seen statements that Canada has over a fifth or even a quarter of the world's water supply. However, there is an important difference between water supply and renewable freshwater supply. Renewable fresh water implies annual replacement and Canada's piece of the world's renewable water supply is relatively modest. In reality, Canada's share of this water is not one quarter, or even one fifth….it is only 6.5 percent of the world's total annual renewable volume of water.
So while we often feel comfortable and secure about a perceived abundance of water, a sense of perspective is needed to ensure that we don't waste, or compromise the quality, of British Columbia’s and Canada's water.
Our training, networking and special events all aim to share the information and the expertise that help to maintain the volume and the value of our water supplies. BCWWA is proud to be involved with the protection of this important resource.
*Ideas and information noted above come from the recently published Eau Canada: The Future of Canada's Water UBC Press 2007
May 23rd, 2007
In some places drinking water, and the issues surrounding it, and waste water, and its many issues, are totally separate matters. Those of us in the water and wastewater industry in British Columbia and the Yukon recognize the interconnectedness of the entire water cycle and at BCWWA we work to support all pieces of this cycle. Our commitment to education, training and knowledge-sharing is facilitated in large part through our involvement with other organizations, both large and small. There are many local groups that we consult with including those that deal with small water systems, on-site sewage systems, sustainable infrastructure and more. Plus, as a member association of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and a chapter of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) we are linked to a huge range of expertise and experience in both waste water and drinking water management. These connections help to make the work that BCWWA does current, relevant and valuable.
At this time we are lucky to have, as a member of the WEF House of Delegates, BCWWA member Rick Corbett. And serving as a Vice President for the AWWA, BCWWA member Don Degen. BCWWA has demonstrated its commitment to the entire water and waste water industry and the involvement of our members beyond the confines of BC and the Yukon gives recognition to the value of the expertise that is coming from our region. Visitors to our annual conference from AWWA and WEF passed on their congratulations for our previous work and their ongoing support for future activities. AWWA and WEF have been involved in discussion about the potential for greater cooperation in the future because water and waste water are not separate issues. At BCWWA we’re already there.
May 18th, 2007
This is a difficult time for many BC residents as we head into the ‘flood season’. Those who live and work in floodplains in several parts of our province will be facing some challenging water issues in the coming weeks. What can be done?
Flood water can contaminate drinking water, introduce contaminants into people’s homes and lead to malfunction of sewage disposal systems. These are significant challenges. With this in mind, BCWWA is pleased to have been able to post on our website some important flood management information prepared by the Ministry of Health.
Further into the site you will see information about ‘Flooding and Your Health’ that will help to ensure that BC residents don’t face health challenges as a result of flood issues. There is information about what to do before a flood, and during a flood, and after a flood. What needs to be done to monitor and disinfect drinking water supplies and maintain septic systems. And very important – who to contact!
There is also a Flood Preparedness Tool Kit that provides resources and explanations to help minimize the damage of a potential flood. Fact sheets and articles on a variety of flood issues, in English, Punjabi and Chinese, are available for all to access.
BCWWA works to safeguard public health and the environment through the sharing of skills, knowledge and experience in the Water and Wastewater industries. One of our important partners in this work is the Ministry of Health and I am pleased to congratulate them for a job well done with these flood resources.
May 7th, 2007
The 2007 conference theme dealt with sustainability. Water supply and treatment systems in British Columbia and the Yukon need to be sustainable and the 1300 participants in this year’s BCWWA conference learned many ways to make “sustainability” happen in their communities. There were over one hundred papers about a wide range of water and wastewater related issues at the conference. A big thank you to all of the committed individuals who prepared and presented these papers. Our mission talks about sharing skills, knowledge and experience and that is what these presentations were all about.
Our keynote speakers were most welcome and in appreciation we were pleased to acquire greenhouse gas credits to help to offset their attendance. The impacts of all of our activities need to be acknowledged and this action did just that. We did not talk about sustainability and totally ignore the actual facts.
At our conference we were treated to a timely and very informative presentation about watershed issues in the interior of BC. Tom Sidden gave us some insight into the challenges that this area is facing, and some thoughts about how similar issues may face other parts of the province.
As the 2007 BCWWA year begins I want to note that the 2007 conference theme was not just an ‘event’ title. This year we will focus on sustainability for our water and wastewater systems, sustainability for our organization, sustainability for our communities. Things are off to a great start.
