Soft Path for Water Strategy for Salt Spring Island released by the POLIS Project
Preserving Supplies for Next Generation
The Soft Path Strategy for Salt Spring Island was developed by the POLIS Water Sustainability Project team in collaboration with the Salt Spring Island Water Council.
Salt Spring is the largest and most populous of the Gulf Islands and has a year round population of approximately 10,000 which doubles during the summer with tourists and temporary residents. Water supply and quality are issues on parts of Salt Spring, with some drinking water lakes being close to their capacity to meet current demand and future commitments for additional supply, and difficulties with private wells particularly on the north end of the island.
This strategy offers direction to Salt Spring's growing water use by recommending a commitment to “preserving water supplies for the next generation.” To learn more, click on Soft Path for Water Strategy for Salt Spring Island
A Sustainable Future for the Island
“A commitment to 'preserve water for the next generation' – meaning that all new demands for water will be met through conservation and efficiency rather than expanding supply, would be a significant step toward water sustainability 
and sustainable water leadership on Salt Spring,” states Susanne Porter-Bopp, strategy co-author.
“Aiming for water neutrality on Salt Spring would mean mandating the highest level of water efficient fixtures and appliances in all new construction, use of alternative sources of water (e.g. rainwater capture and recycled water) for toilet flushing and landscape management, the use of off-site recycled water where available, conservation-based pricing for the residential and industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sectors drawing water from centralized systems, and a progressive programme that targets reductions in residential outdoor water use and in the agricultural sector.”
Posted May 2010