Watershed Stewardship

One of the most pressing issues in watersheds of the capital region is the effect of urbanization. When humans develop cities we change the landscape, pave roads and parking lots and build structures with roofs. These impervious surfaces no longer allow rainwater to soak into the ground as it would in the natural environment. Rainwater flows quickly off these hard surfaces and into our storm drain system, which leads straight to our creeks, rivers and streams.

The effect of water flowing from these surfaces is like turning a firehose on your garden for short periods of time, and it has intensified in recent years due to changes in our climate. The impacts on our creeks, rivers and streams devastates fish spawning beds and habitat for our aquatic plants and animals. Water quality also suffers due to the harmful effects of increased turbidity, which destabilizes water temperatures and reduces oxygen for plants and animals.

Here are a few ways to take action as a homeowner:

• Learn how to manage your rainwater
• Retain native trees, shrubs and grasses when developing
• Plant a native plant garden to absorb flows
• consider a hedgerow instead of a fence

Many of our local streams, lakes and wetlands are polluted and unsuitable for plant and animal life. These problems arise from run off and human activities such as pesticides and fertilizers, paint chips and roof and tire material, and soaps from power washing, and oils and gasolines from spills and roadways.

A growing concern in our region is home heating oil spills. Home heating oil tanks can fail, leading to oil spills into our creeks and streams causing potential health risks or environmental damage that is costly to clean up. As well, septic and sewer leaks contribute to bacterial pollution. Learn about inspecting, maintaining and repairing your sewer and septic pipes to prevent or repair leaks.

Take Action:

• Prevent Stormwater Pollution
• Practice Natural Gardening
• Go Pesticide Free
• Take care of your home heating oil tank [PDF/1.5MB]
• Maintain your septic system 
• Maintaining Underground Sewer Pipes [PDF/12.5MB]

Many groups exist in our region to restore and clean up our watersheds. Get involved in one of these groups and help make a difference in our region. Volunteers are always needed!

CRD coordinated initiatives:

• Bowker Creek Initiative (BCI)
• Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative (ELSI)
• Gorge Waterway Initiative (GWI)

Community initiatives:

• Peninsula Stream Society
• Colquitz Coalition
• Habitat Aquisition Trust (HAT)

These are just a few - look for a "friends of" group in your neighbourhood!