Sunshine Coast water news

'Five-six years ago we were in the early stages of actually understanding our water system and what could trigger certain stages and events.  We are now at an operational level, way better at understanding of the responses and potential changes to our system,' says SCRD manager of infrastructure, Remko Rosenboom.

According to a consultant report, the creek’s summer flows 'frequently approach or fall below the SCRD’s licensed withdrawal rate of 32 litres per second' making it a less likely candidate for year-round water supply.

Also SCRD requests to adjust the environmental flow needs (EFN) on Chapman Creek not anticipated to be heard this year and adjustments not considered possible in 2025. 

Oceanview Logging obtains court order to restrain protestors from blocking road access into Joe Smith Creek cutblock

shíshálh Nation wants to explore alternatives to the waterline site (on the Heidelberg mine lands) for the second holding area,

Province is funding 550 automated water meters for the nation

While further testing is needed to confirm the early exploration results, consultant Ineke Kalwij estimated the output of a production well at the site could yield 74 litres per second.

Chaster well upgrades, resolutions for the AVICC convention, and more considered at Jan. 23 Sunshine Coast Regional District board meeting.

The people currently running the system 'are aging out,' with several volunteers who run the system in their 70s.

'There is a way to safely continue operation of the WTP that doesn't come at our expense - the SCRD need only find the motivation to see it done,' Elphinstone Avenue resident Sean Carvajal told Coast Reporter.