By ROY WOOD
The town of Oliver’s domestic water supply faces some challenges, but is in no danger of running out in the immediate future, according to the author of a recent groundwater assessment report.
Hydrologist Doug Geller of Western Water Associates headed up a $40,000 study of the town’s groundwater supply, which was required by Interior Health.
He told Monday’s council committee of the whole meeting that there are some potential threats to the quality of water in Oliver, but when asked if the town should be concerned about running out of water, he said, “Not at this time.”
The assessment report cited approximately 40 “potential hazards … that could threaten groundwater quality.”
The greatest risk is caused by poorly constructed or abandoned wells because of the “shallow and unprotected/unconfined nature of the local aquifer.” The abandoned wells provide a way for contaminants to reach the groundwater.
According to a summary of the report, the next step in the water quality process for the town is the implementation of water protection measures. The town expects to partner with the regional district and the province to seek funding.
The town will undertake a public education process about the issue, using the town website, targeted information fact sheets and other means.
Other highlights of the report:
- Oliver is one of the Okanagan Valley’s largest users of groundwater, pumping more than 500 million litres a year from a series of wells. That’s enough to fill 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools;
- There are eight wells that provide the town’s water. Most of the supply comes from the Buchanan Road, Tuc-El-Nuit and Rockcliffe wells;
- There are a total of 700 groundwater wells in the Oliver area, with an average depth of 14 metres;
- While there is some indications of land use activities affecting the water quality – particularly elevated nitrate levels – the quality of the groundwater is rated as very good and meets Canadian standards; and
- Monitoring by the province and the town indicate that the groundwater quality is better north of the town centre.