Q: Where can I get information on setting myself up for water collection?
A: While water questions aren’t the usual ones we get at the Resource Centre, it just seems like it’s my turn to get a water conservation plug in here. With all of this rain (and post-Halloween hail in some parts), and with the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s local state of emergency at the top of everyone’s mind, now is the time to start planning for full cisterns/rain barrels and tanks to be installed – and full – in time for next year’s growing season.
If you’re not sure where to begin, a free “Water Collection Walk and Talk” hosted by the One Straw Society is happening this Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 p.m., rain or shine. It’s free, at their tiny farm in Roberts Creek, behind the Gumboot Cafe. In the little blurb in the One Straw newsletter, it says the walk and talk will be about “big tanks, little tanks, connecting tanks, pumps, drip, asphalt roofs, metal rooms and collecting off of greenhouses.” It’s an informative and friendly opportunity to bounce ideas off those who’ve done lots of trial and error when it comes to water collection in this neck of the woods. If you don’t know them, One Straw is a really neat local charity that has been around for almost 20 years, and is focused on food security. Stay in the loop about all of their goings-on by signing up for their newsletter. For more info and for how to get your hands on a free ticket for the water walk and talk: [email protected].
Did you know the SCRD’s Rainwater Harvesting rebate for 2022 is still available? This can help you cover the cost for very large water receptacles, and ease pressure on SCRD water reserves. Applications are due Jan. 4, 2023. Key thing about this rebate: Applications need to be approved before you buy your water vessel. You can apply for: up to $500 for installing a minimum of 4,500 litres of new rainwater storage or up to $1,000 for installing a minimum of 9,000 litres of new rainwater storage. All the information is at: scrd.ca/rainwater . If you’re not an online type of person, I’m sure the SCRD Water Services Division could help walk you through it. Call them at 604-885-6806. If you need help with any paperwork surrounding this application process, or help navigating the online piece, make an appointment with us. It’s within our wheelhouse to help with this type of thing.
I’ll say one more thing about water conservation right now: If anyone walks into our office or calls us requesting an “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down,” sign to display in their washroom going forward, I will personally (seriously) make you one. Just let me know your bathroom colour scheme.
***Speaking of all this rain - and lowering temperatures - it’s that time of year again when many people are in need of waterproof gear, warm socks, gloves, coats, sleeping bags and tents. If you have any of these items, but don’t know where to bring them, please give us a shout and we can direct you to the best person or organization currently accepting these life-saving supplies.
Angie Theilmann is an information and referral specialist at the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, your community information hub. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are recommended to be sure we are available to help you. Note: on some days, we can book clients after 2pm. Contact us: [email protected] or 604-885-4088.
