Five Reasons Why You Need to Harvest Rain Water (Especially if You Live on the Sunshine Coast)
Imagine living in a literal rainforest and not being able to water your garden, wash your car, or jump through a sprinkler in the summer due to water shortages...
As wild as it sounds, you just imagined the irony of Sunshine Coast living!
For the past few summers, residents of the Sunshine Coast have experienced extreme water shortages, leaving residents unable to water outdoors once Stage 4 restrictions are put in place. Not the gardens we've spent hours preparing. Not the grass we planted in spring.Not our dusty cars.
If you're not prepared to get highly resourceful, prepare to watch your plants perish in the summer heat.
Having been a resident of the Sunshine Coast for over twenty years, I can confirm that Stage 4 restrictions are new and becoming more frequent.
I can certainly sympathize with the frustrated residents who rely on the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to supply our water (that our taxes pay for) because it's unavailable when we need it most. Another source of resident frustration seems to stem from the significant home developments that the SCRD continues to approve, putting further strain on our water reservoirs in the summer.
Our local government does appear to be taking steps to address the water shortage issue, with several projects in the pipeline. But these solutions don't happen overnight. Many environmental factors need to be considered when drilling for groundwater or siphoning from a lake or stream - complicated and costly undertakings that require Provincial licencing and funding. Last September, Lori Pratt, SCRD Board Chair, responded to the "We Need Water Now" flyers shared around town by a group calling themselves "The POST Group."In her response, she shared, "We have been waiting for a Provincial water license for the Church Road well site for over two years. If anyone in "The POST Group" knows of anyone who can fast track a water license, please contact me immediately."
There is evident angst on both sides - residents frustrated with the SCRD and the SCRD waiting on the Province for licencing.
It's easy to blame, but there is always more to the story than it appears (if you need to direct blame, Global Warming and population growth are a good place to start).
I've decided not to spend any more time mad at the politics surrounding this water issue (this tactic also carried me through the pandemic relatively mentally unscathed.)
Instead of playing the blame-and-complain game, ask yourself- "What is in my control?"
And the answer in this particular situation is simple:
If you're like most and increase your water consumption in the summer months, then a Rain Water Collection system is a MUST!
Here are five reasons I chose to install a rainwater collection system in my backyard:
#1. High demand for a small reservoir
Unfortunately, the Sunshine Coast's primary water supply, the Chapman Creek Reservoir, is not big enough to sustain our growing population and increasingly dry summers.
When our water consumption doubles and rainfall isn't replenishing the watersheds, the problem arises in the summer.
Regardless of the heavy rainfall during winter and spring, the Chapman Creek watershed is not being replenished when the rain stops.
With more homes being built and people relocating to Sunshine Coast each year, the strain increases.
Although the SCRD appears to be taking steps toward solutions, they, too, have their hands tied when it comes to water supply expansion projects.
You can learn more about the Chapman Creek watershed in this video from the SCRD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWkfidKAJSg
#2. Dry Summers
Over the past few years, we've experienced more extreme weather patterns and drought.
To replenish the Chapman Creek Water Shed, we need a solid week of heavy rainfall, which rarely happens from May to October.
According to The Farmer's Almanac, a "sizzling summer" is predicted, with higher than average temperatures.
You can almost guarantee that there will be stage 3 and, quite possibly, stage 4 water restrictions once again.
#3. Wet Winters
We get enough rain in the winter to fill a 1400-gallon water tank with ease. Actually, a couple of days of heavy rainfall on a standard-sized roof can collect enough rain to fill a tank of that size!
In the climate we live in, it makes sense to harvest what we can while we can.
#4. Self-Sufficiency & Peace of Mind
The less you have to rely on others, the government included, the less chance of being let down.
I'll admit, I've spent a lot of time angry at the SCRD for not being "allowed" to water my garden during Stage 4 restrictions. Thinking back now, that was such a waste of energy when there was something that I could do about it.
Don't sit around and wait for something to be done. Be proactive and install a rainwater collection system to get you through the drought!
You'll be able to plant your garden with confidence, knowing that you won't have to watch it dehydrate mid-summer.
#5. Paul and the team from Rain Farmers are awesome
Coasters: you are in luck because there is a fantastic local business that can help with your watering needs during a drought!
Rain Farmer's Canada is knowledgable, professional and very creative when installing a collection system at your home.
Paul and his team installed a relatively complex collection system in our backyard in a single day.
The system includes a 1440 gallon tank, on-demand pump, filtration system and yard hydrant, which they installed, conveniently in the centre of my garden.
The tank is quite large, so deciding where to put it was the hardest part. A creative solution involving approx. 50 ft of PVC pipe and gutter diversion allowed us to install the tank in the yard's far corner. It's barely noticeable!
Many tanks are also eligible for rebates. I just received my $500 rebate in the mail :)
Various sizes and options are available if you have a small yard and may still qualify for a rebate.
If a Rainwater Collection System is something that you're considering, NOW, while there's still rain in the forecast, is the perfect time to get one installed.
If you can't afford to pay for it all upfront, Paul will be offering PayBright, which allows you to pay in installments: 0% over 12 months.
Here's a video of our rainwater collection system being installed by the Rain Farmers!
https://youtu.be/QhgdqXLcUGA
When it comes to water, we all need to be doing our part to conserve and collect. After all, rainwater is free!
Here are some Water Conservation tips posted on the SCRD website.
Stop complaining and get proactive!
Resources:
Water Harvesting Rebate Program
Chapman Creek Water Shed Video
Sunshine Coast Water Supply & Distribution
Sprinkling Restrictions Guide, SCRD 2022
SCRD 2018Several projects are underway to improve and diversify our water supply and distribution on the Sunshine Coast. Visit the Project pages for information on some of these activities: