Water is the most important service that a Municipality offers. It is also the most controversial and problematic. Most of the western world seems to take fresh potable drinking water as an inalienable right. In my 15 years on Council only about two or three years have not had large chunks of time and money dedicated to it.
On the conservation side, Council has partnered with Fruitvale to hire a water ambassador.
This person has just finished her training and soon will be starting her rounds.
She will be offering to do water use audits of your house and garden. The soil will be tested for the correct moisture percentage.
The next step will be to offer solution for both over watered and under watered areas.
The solution to these problems could be as simple as adjusting watering times or pruning a piece of branch from a shrub. There will call back cards left on your door. Please take advantage of this service it is of no cost to you and has the potential to save a large amount of water and improve your lawn and garden.
The quality of our drinking water is of concern, however, some of our weekly samples have had detectable readings of coliforms instead of the undetectable levels. Montrose has historicaly had a good clean supply of potable water.
We are still working on disinfection of the wells, tanks and line. Completion date of this project has been pushed back to the first week of June. We then have to know readings of coliform for a period of time before Interior Heath lifts the boil advisery.
The third component of water is quantity.
Number one well is over 50 years old and number two well is about 30 years old. The capacity of the wells has dropped as they become silted in. All attempts to clear the silt and increase capacity have failed.
We have enough water for all normal domestic usage and fire suppression as well as the planned completion of our subdivisions, however, we do not want to be stuck behind the eight ball with severe water shortages.
Council is actively planning a water strategies. This includes all aspects –conservation, supply, delivery, water treatment and how to pay for all this.
On a lighter note, Montrose Family Days planning is well underway for June 11.
Come see the Bernie McMahon ball park’s new infield and dug outs.
Volunteers are always needed, if you would like to help please call the Village office @ 250 367 7234 for more information.
This will most likely be the last Montrose Comment until after the new elctions in November.
Everyone have a safe enjoyable summer.
Gerald Parker is a councillor in Montrose. Community Comment is written by elected officials from four municipal councils in Greater Trail. It runs on a rotating basis every Wednesday.