Recent revelations relating to the precarious Parksville water supply sinkhole should be give some well pumped clarification.
Solutions relating to the supply of safe and sustainable supply of water for Parksville and area were trickling in to the decision makers more than 20 years ago. It was obvious at that time that significant improvements to both groundwater and surface supplies were needed for the population’s health and security.
Fortunately, we live in an area with abundant precipitation; one day of heavy rain in the watersheds above the residential areas could supply the annual domestic needs for the entire population. This abundance of clean fresh water is at elevations up to 1,600 meters, and less than 25 kilometers distance from consumers, which is an incredible advantage. It provides many possibilities for sustainable water supply systems, without the high costs of electricity for pumping, extensive water treatment and storage.
The current scenario that the Englishman River Water Service (ERWS) and the Arrowsmith Water Service (AWS) boiled up behind closed doors should be given a transparent and independent audit and review. The optics are as clear as the murky water that is proposed to be pumped uphill from the lower reaches of the Englishman River, into the multi-million dollar treatment plant.
Could there be some other hidden agenda? Why have millions of taxpayers’ dollars already been poured into a scheme that would pump millions of dollars worth of treated water into the ground? Perhaps a think tank could be formed to siphon some well established water supply strategies to offer as alternatives.
I suggest it is time for those people who are paying the piper, to ask; what exactly is the tune that you are trying to play?
Trevor Wicks
Qualicum Beach