Improving Fresh Water Quality & Flows
Fresh water quality (the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water) and flows (the natural variation in water levels) are crucial to the function of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. When they are healthy, these ecosystems provide water for drinking and irrigation, host commercially important species, filter and purify water, and provide natural flood control.
Damage can occur due to chemical and nutrient pollution, infrastructure that alters stream channels and lake shorelines and activities in the watershed that cause erosion and sedimentation. These consequences are not inevitable.
Ways to Reduce Your Impact
- Never dispose of hazardous household wastes down the drain or in storm drains. The CRD Recycling Guide contains information on disposal locations for items such as paint, used motor oil, pesticides and cleaners.
- Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilizers in your
garden and on your lawn. Learn more about natural alternatives for pest
control, composting techniques and native plants (which require less
maintenance and chemical supplements).
City Green
- Wash your car over the lawn or a gravel area to prevent detergents from flowing directly into storm drains, which discharge into local streams and the ocean.
- Help to reduce impervious surfaces around your home and in your neighbourhood
by using pervious alternatives to asphalt and pavement, constructing
narrower streets, driveways and paths, and installing native plant gardens
in place of the standard lawn.
Low Impact Development
- When you undertake a construction project on your property, ensure that soil and sediment is not tracked onto the roads by vehicles, or otherwise washed into storm drains.
- Use a broom instead of a pressure washer to clean your driveway and walkways; dirt and sediment washed into storm drains ends up in streams, where it can degrade water quality and damage fish habitat.
- Encourage local businesses, developers, institutions and governments to adopt "best management practices" that protect water quality and flows.
- Encourage the protection of natural streams and wetlands, which store water during times of high flow, and filter contaminants washed off the land.
- Make sure your septic system is regularly inspected and maintained (see the CRD Septic Savvy Kit), to prevent water pollution with microorganisms and excess nutrients.
- If you have a stream on your property, protect or restore the natural vegetation along the banks. This helps to prevent erosion, filters contaminants and provides wildlife habitat. Resist the urge to "tidy up" the stream by removing large woody debris, such as fallen trees, unless it poses a definite safety hazard in some way; this material helps to dissipate the energy of the water, prevents erosion, and provides sheltered areas for fish.
- If you own livestock and have a stream on your property, consider
installing a fence along stream banks to prevent the animals from
causing erosion and pollution. Make sure manure is stored
under cover, to prevent pollution of surface or groundwater with microorganisms
and excess nutrients.
Sustainable Agriculture - Get involved with a local stewardship group that conducts stream restoration and monitoring activities in your area.
© Image courtesy of Mary Sanseverino