While other parts of the country are digging out from under heavy snowfalls, we on southern Vancouver Island bask in January sunshine and feel a little smug. Yet we could use some of the moisture that has fallen so plentifully elsewhere.
The relatively dry winter here is cause for concern. Winter rains are necessary to sustain the forest environment and replenish the region鈥檚 domestic water supply, yet January precipitation so far is only 64 per cent of the monthly average.
The Sooke Lake Reservoir, the main source of the region鈥檚 water, is at about 85 per cent capacity when it is usually full by this time of the year. The backup Goldstream Reservoir is at 75 per cent.
Water officials aren鈥檛 pushing the panic button 鈥� spring rains often top off the reservoirs 鈥� but it鈥檚 a reminder that we are especially vulnerable on the south Island when it comes to water.
We can鈥檛 do much about the watershed or the weather, but we can do something about our habits. Landscaping and household practices have evolved over the past 20 years or so, and water consumption is declining. But this dry winter gives us a taste of what climate change can bring, a reminder that we need to be vigilant about how we use water, and look for further ways to be frugal.
But that doesn鈥檛 mean we should stop enjoying the pleasant weather.
