The qathet Regional District is working to improve the understanding of groundwater resources on Savary Island. The last island-wide water study was completed in 1996, nearly thirty years ago. The qRD wants to understand how issues related to water will influence planning, development, and quality of life on the island now and in the future.

Some questions that the study will consider include:

• What are the current conditions in Savary Island aquifers?
• How does land use affect water quality and quantity?
• How will climate change affect water supplies?
• What can we do to preserve and protect freshwater resources on the island?

The Savary Island Groundwater Assessment will build on previous work and provide an update on aquifer conditions. The results of the groundwater resource assessment will inform the review and update of the Savary Island Community Plan. Engagement with the community and identification of practical actions that can help protect water resources on Savary Island are also important outcomes of the project.

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• There are no major streams or lakes on Savary Island, so the main source of water for the community is a layered sand and gravel aquifer from which groundwater is collected from springs, or pumped from shallow dug wells, driven sand point wells, and drilled wells.
• Fresh groundwater in the aquifer is vulnerable to sea water intrusion and can be impacted by contaminants from land use on the island.
• The amount of groundwater available for use is affected by climate change, including changes in the timing and amounts of rainfall contributing to aquifer recharge.

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