In September 2018, we hired the Gulf Islands’ most experienced and respected well driller, Red Williams to drill a well.  In December 2018, the firm of Hy-Geo Consulting was engaged to conduct a 72-hour pumping test. Hy-Geo’s Senior Hydrologist assessed, among other things, any potential effects on neighbouring wells in addition to the overall groundwater quality and quantity in the region. The Hydrologist then reviewed existing hydrogeological data and reports for the project area, including topography, geology, climatic and well record information. All work was conducted in accordance with generally accepted engineering and hydrogeological practices.

They determined that at a pumping rate of 1.07 US gallons per minute, well use for the proposed project should not have any significant or detrimental quantity or quality effect on any of the wells in the region. Even more encouragingly, no discernible well interference was recorded in the Sticks Allison neighbour’s observation well during the pumping test. Consequently, based on the proposed project’s occupancy of 32 full-time residents, there would be more than sufficient water to meet anticipated needs. Built into the assessment is a significant drawdown safety factor in the well of 91.9% which would accommodate seasonal water level fluctuations and/or potential interference with neighbouring wells.

With respect to the productivity of the proposed project well, please refer to the professional hydrogeologist’s report of  December 2019, publicly available on the Islands Trust website at: 

REPORT ON PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY FOR, AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT, GALIANO ISLAND

There has since been some concern from neighbours that the projected use was too low and that the test was conducted at a time of year when water levels are typically at their highest. If necessary, GIGARHS will commission another test while water levels are typically at their yearly lowest, and/or have the desktop calculations redone assuming maximum occupancy rates.

The findings were extremely encouraging. They determined that at a pumping rate of 1.07 US gallons per minute, well use for the proposed project should not have any significant or detrimental quantity or quality effect on any of the wells in the region. Even more encouragingly, no discernible well interference was recorded in the Sticks Allison neighbour’s observation well during the pumping test. Consequently, based on the proposed project’s occupancy of 32 full-time residents, there would be more than sufficient water to meet anticipated needs. Built in to the assessment is a significant drawdown safety factor in the well of 91.9% which would accommodate seasonal water level fluctuations and/or potential interference with neighbouring wells.

There has since been some concern from neighbours that the projected use was too low and that the test was conducted at a time of year when water levels are typically at their highest. If necessary, GIGARHS will commission another test while water levels are typically at their yearly lowest, and/or have the desktop calculations redone assuming maximum occupancy rates.

MDD is the single highest total 24-hour daily water consumption. Depending on the type of development, MDD is comprised of a number of components. For a typical subdivision it looks like this: MDD is the sum of the Indoor Demand + Water Loss Allowance + Irrigation.

The MDD of 40 Ig/capita/day for the proposed project is based on both the recommended rural rate and the reduced demands which would result from the details of the project design: rainwater catchment will be used for gardens, and water conservation measures will be incorporated into the design including features like low-flow toilets, high water efficiency appliances, faucets with aerators.  In addition, because the system will be brand new, minimum leakage is expected. The MDD of 40 Ig/capita/day is the rate that was set prior to the pump test to determine well capacity. Having said that, the well tested above that requirement.

The requirements for this type of project are more stringent than they are for a private residence.

First, under the Water Sustainability Act, the principal law for managing the diversion and use of water resources in British Columbia, the proposed development, unlike a private residence on an individual well, must take out a provincial water license for water use.  By terms of the license, the project will not be allowed to exceed 40 Ig/c/d, and this use will be monitored. If it’s insufficient, a new or amended license would be required.

Second, if it were found in the future that any private residence’s well (existing or future) was impacted by this project’s water license, then it would be the project water license that would be changed or restricted to reduce or further limit water consumption. Not the other way around.

To be absolutely clear, the protection afforded by the Water Sustainability Act means that private residences will always have precedence over these homes for adequate domestic water supply.

The information required by the Province for commercial water licenses is listed on their website, accessed at:

Water Licence Application

Because of the design of the proposed water system, use will be closely controlled and monitored.  From the well, water will be pumped directly to a centrally located community pressurization and filtration system located in the Community Building. From there, the filtered water will be distributed to the individual units, and consumption will be carefully metered.