Kindred spirits,

We are W.A.T.E.R. (Water Across Time, our Environmental Responsibility) and are writing directly to you and yours, to appeal for your help. We have come to the point where it is obvious our voices alone are not sufficient to stop the corporate interests that threaten B.C.’s groundwater.

W.A.T.E.R. is a small, consensus-driven committee-of-the-whole citizens’ group, from in and around the Village of Valemount in the heart of the Rockies. Two and a half years ago, most residents thought little about groundwater—we seemingly have plenty; a company operating a water bottling plant for the last 17 or so years thinks so too. Nobody knows for sure. However, when a rezoning application for a second plant was put forth and our subsequent enquiries to government departments responsible for groundwater unearthed the gaping lack of legislation*, we realized this is not only an issue in Valemount; all of B.C. is vulnerable. Knowing this, we have been moved to action to help remedy this amazing oversight. Our commitment, coupled with growing awareness of the impacts of climate change and increasing pressures to commodify water, resulted in the formation and main motivation of our group. Through petitions and the raising of public awareness, we were temporarily able to stop the removal of water from local aquifers by the second plant. We are now focussed on “the bigger picture”.

We have been advised of the existence of a Groundwater Advisory Board. However, members of W.A.T.E.R. have not been permitted input or review of discussions currently underway. At the same time, we have been informed that the advisory board has done extensive consultation with industry. The board consists of five members, charged with shaping the regulations that will force all domestic well owners into expensive and beaurocratic processes while concurrently enabling corporate increases in water extractions. Legislation is slated to come into effect in 2012, allowing water extractions below 989 gal/min to continue with the freedom private interests now enjoy.

W.A.T.E.R. was instrumental in the recently passed resolution put forth at the North Central Municipal Association (B3 - May/08) and at the Union of B..C. Municipalities meetings (B78 - Sept./08), but it was not the resolution we had asked for—one which would ensure the adequate protection of groundwater from exploitation. We were also unsuccessful in influencing the wording to ensure protection of any kind for “unpopulated” areas, ie: the major percentage of the province. As citizens, we find this unacceptable. Our heightened concern for future generations has given us no other path than to ask for a moratorium, accept our roles as environmental stewards and resolve to continue in our efforts.

W.A.T.E.R. has raised concerns within our community and beyond over the past two years. Local and provincial citizens have resoundingly reassured us they, too, expect legislative protection for groundwater. On February 19, 2009 our petitions, asking for a moratorium on groundwater exploitation, were presented to Premier Campbell by Shirley Bond (M.L.A. Prince George - Mount Robson). This petition contained nearly 1000 signatures which created, at best, a small ripple—not nearly the impact the issue merits and once again confirming reluctance, on the part of elected officials, to safeguard B.C.’s groundwater.

An election is forthcoming. What can we do—together—to ensure water will be a hotly debated issue that will lead to real protection? Thus far, none of the three main political parties will commit to “plugging this gap” in legislation. Further, none of the NGOs we have approached will commit to supporting the issue. The encouragement from many of them is helpful, but no longer enough. Some politicians and many NGOs are prepared to debate the selling of B.C. rivers for Run-of-the-River projects and recent announcements for plans to repeal the Navigable Waters Protection Act will, rightly, face fierce opposition from those who will not tolerate this blatant prioritization of industry over the environment, with coincidental restrictions on the citizenry. We find it shocking that none seem prepared to fight for groundwater.

The members of W.A.T.E.R. are aware of the myriad of issues related to protecting the environment of British Columbia, and the valiant efforts of many—particularly the “water warriors”. We know, too, how much energy and time it takes to advocate on behalf of all citizens and future generations. Through our own discoveries about the marvel of the hydrological world, we have come to realize that groundwater, unseen, is as integral to the system as water in any other stage of its journey. In this spirit, we therfore ask you to join us—with the understanding that water systems and advocacy groups do not exist in isolation—by supporting our request for a moratorium on the exploitation of groundwater and helping ensure complete consultation with the public, scientists and environmental experts in the shaping of legislation that permanently protects B.C.’s environment and citizens.

We do accept water, across time, as our environmental responsibility and are confident there are others who feel the same. Please consider the impact our collective voices could make, research the issue and discuss with your group how best we might proceed, together.

Sincerely

and ever hopeful

the Executive members of W.A.T.E.R.