More than 20 years ago it was very obvious that most of the Parksville and area’s drinking water supply systems would need to be expanded and upgraded.
The quality of the water supply, in terms of contamination risk and water quantity, were both significant issues that needed immediate action in many locations.
It is time to rate the success, or failure, of the water systems in question to meet the two-decade challenge, with a consumer evaluation.
Given a rating of the general area between French Creek / Nanoose Bay / Errington, on a scale where plus-five is much improved, zero is no change and minus-five is much worse, how would the public on each of the many drinking water distribution systems rate the following aspects: water quality, water quantity, water security, water sustainability, current costs for water, prospective future costs for water, governance and management of water and the expectations for the future of water supplies in the area?
It may be time for a sober second look at water, as we cannot take it for granted.
Trevor WicksQualicum Beach
