Water
There are two big issues when considering water: the quantity and the quality. The Water Cycle (also known as the hydrologic cycle) describes the continuous movement of water as it circulates from the land to the sky and back again. The cumulative impacts of interference, barriers and contaminates in this cycle can affect the quality and quantity of water locally available. Examples include: clearing trees or other vegetation so the water can no longer be stored in plants which creates more run-off, less evapo-transpiration and less filtration; roads and impermeable surfaces inhibit infiltration into the ground, creates more run-off, and contributes oils, sediments, and particulates into the water; fertilizer, pesiticide, and animal waste contribute over-whelming amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into the water; and animal waste also adds bacteria and other organisms which are carried off with the run-off.
Water is enjoyed for its multiple uses, especially drinking and recreation. Many residents and visitors enjoy canoeing on rivers, boating on lakes, as well as fishing and camping. Our lakes and rivers are valued as habitats for Lake Char, Northern Pike, Walleye, Arctic Grayling, Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout and Mountain Whitefish.
Drinking water is acquired through a spring or water well, or hauled in from a water station. Non-potable water is kept in dugouts and used for animals, watering vegetation, washing, and other miscellaneous uses. Sometimes, dugout water is filtered for human consumption. The challenge for residents is to capture sufficient water to see them through the summer months while removing excess run-off over erodible soil. Maintaining a store of potable water, if no water well is feasible, is emerging as a challenge as truck transportation becomes more expensive.
Drinking water comes from the rain and snow that fall within watersheds upstream of water stations. The water either infiltrates the soil to become ground water or flows as run-off through the ditches, streams, and rivers. By the time it reaches the public water station or the private water well, the water carries with it varying degrees of contaminants (sediment, chemicals, organisms, etc.) which need to be filtered or otherwise neutralized to make potable water.
To what degree should this Official Community Plan (OCP) address land uses associated with contaminants of watersheds that provide drinking water?
To what extent should this Official Community Plan advocate for exploration of potential drinking water sources or assisting landowners in securing sources of water?
Role of the Peace River Regional District
The Regional District operates water tank loader stations in six communities; Buick Creek, Cecil Lake, Clayhurst, Doe River, Golata Creek, and Prespatou. There are additional water tank loader stations in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Chetwynd.
Watersheds host multiple stakeholders with varying interests, like forestry, agriculture, recreation, and oil and gas. The Regional District participates in Land Management resource plans which balance the demands of all stakeholders.
In 2000 the Regional District adopted Lakeshore Development Guidelines to assist residents and landowners along lakeshores. They provide background information and best practices for living, building, and subdividing land near water bodies.
Role of the Official Community Plan
The OCP must address the Regional District’s built water and sewer systems. The OCP can also provide direction, priorities, and strategies for water-related issues. The OCP can provide policies that are permissive or restrictive of development along lakeshores, streams, or rivers.
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