FLASHBACK TO 2012: Prototype of ‘Water Balance Model Express for Landowners’ Unveiled in Victoria at Capital Regional District Workshop on Sustainable Rainwater Management
Note to Reader:
In November 2012, the Capital Regional District (CRD) concluded the first round of inter-regional “sharing and learning” events in the proof-of-approach phase for implementation of the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI). The CRD hosted a workshop that featured both the Water Balance Model Express for Landowners and the Drainage Infrastructure Screening Tool.
Workshop relevance to CRD’s Integrated Watershed Management Implementation Strategy
“The Water Balance Model Express for Landowners represents a bold leap forward in the way it strips the problem to its essence. It is an accessible, affordable and effective tool. The Express solves the vast majority of common problems faced by a homeowner exploring ways to implement rainfall capture in accordance with a watershed plan, without requiring use of tools designed for more complex situations,” states Dr. Charles Rowney, the internationally recognized Scientific Authority for the Water Balance Model Partnership.
“The Drainage Infrastructure Screening Tool is an intermediary step in the assessment process that also happens to include the opportunity to provide a look at how climate change will affect the capacities of drainage conveyance systems,” adds Jim Dumont, the Partnership’s Engineering Applications Authority. “It is about looking for simpler methods to determine if there is a problem that needs detailed analysis.”
To Learn More:
Click on WBM Express: Prototype showcased at Capital Region Water Balance Workshop in November 2012
Green Infrastructure Practices that Reduce a Community’s ‘Water Footprint’
“The CRD hosted the workshop because it informs and supports the goals of the region’s Integrated Watershed Management Implementation Strategy,” stated the CRD’s Dale Green. He is Program Manager of the Stormwater, Harbours and Watershed Program.
“Moving to a watershed-focused program is allowing the CRD to support the municipalities and electoral areas with new strategies for environmental protection, including an increased focus on dealing with watershed stressors near the source rather than at the infrastructure or receiving environment level.”
“Additionally, the strategy supports efforts in watersheds that cross municipal boundaries and provides guidance towards measuring watershed and receiving environment health to better assess program efforts.”
“Local governments have many competing priorities and everyone is challenged to achieve more with the same resources in order to reduce risk, improve watershed health and comply with regulatory requirements.”
“The web-based Express and Screening Tool will help municipalities in managing rainwater effectively and affordably, while collaborating in a watershed sustainability context,” concluded Dale Green.
Workshop Two-Part Structure
“The workshop was a one day, two-part session that could be attended as either a full- or half-day. The morning segment provided information about the tools, and how they have been successfully applied in other jurisdictions. The afternoon was a hands-on learning opportunity in a computer lab setting. Representatives from 11 local governments attended,” continued Brianne Czypyha, CRD Environmental Science Officer.
“The morning was designed to provide everyone – from general managers to technicians – with a common understanding of the WHY, WHAT and HOW of better delivering on regulatory objectives and compliance.”
“The web-based Water Balance Model Express and Drainage Infrastructure Screening Tool will be especially useful for municipalities who are encouraging sustainable rainwater management practices in their communities.”
To Learn More:
To download the invitation circulated by the CRD to its municipal members, click on Water Balance Model Express: Training Workshop – November 29, 2012
To download a copy of the Workshop Flyer, click on Sustainable Rainwater Management: Mimic the Water Balance!
To download a copy of the Workshop Handout, click on Learn How to Use Effective Green Infrastructure, Lighten the ‘Water Footprint’, Achieve More at Less Cost, Adapt to Climate Change and Protect Stream Health
To visit the workshop homepage, click on Capital Region Water Balance Workshop.
