Water conservation resolution endorsed

In a 5-1 split vote Monday, Summerland council approved a resolution to endorse and adopt a new water conservation plan.

The lone vote in opposition was from Coun. Janet Peake, who expressed concern about a lack of public consultation.

“The timing is a little difficult,” confirmed chief administrative officer Linda Tynan, referring to the need to adopt the plan before the rapidly approaching deadline for submission of the funding request for the Trout Creek Flume and Water Intake Structure Upgrades project.

The request will be submitted to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Green Infrastructure-Environmental Quality.

The WCP is written “at a higher level” than the 2011 drought response plan, director of works and utilities Kris Johnson told council.

“It considers all water uses (residential, agricultural, industrial), all water supplies (surface and groundwater) and how these users and supplies interact with, and affect, each other,” Johnson said.

The use of such a comprehensive approach to water conservation planning is of benefit to the community because it considers entire watersheds and distribution systems in the decision-making process, and integrates all aspects of water management, Johnson explained.

Among the conclusions and recommendation of the plan is the need for universal metering to reduce the percentage of unaccounted-for water.

The plan states, “This work is considered a high priority as it completes the universal metering of the water utility. It results in the district having the ability to record the volumes of water supplied to all properties.”

Local orchardist Lorraine Bennest questioned who would pay — customer or municipality — for the installation of a second meter for those customers with both irrigation and domestic water services.

“I’m uncomfortable with this. It looks like we’re trying to do something through the back door,” said Coun. Doug Holmes.

“It’s important that we move ahead now with this funding opportunity,” responded Mayor Peter Waterman.

“There will be an opportunity to make adjustments during the consultation process.”

Coun. Erin Carlson was absent Monday.