NEWSPAPER OP-ED: Sustainable Watershed Systems: Communities urged to integrate “water balance solutions” into land use decisions (Oct 2016)
Note to Reader:
In October 2016, the Vancouver Sun newspaper published an Op-Ed article written by Kim Stephens, Executive Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.
We Must Protect Watershed Systems
“Everyone learns about the water balance (water cycle) in elementary school, but most have forgotten by high school. So what does this mean for communities? Consider that: A legacy of community and infrastructure design practices has failed to protect the natural water balance. Failure has financial impacts and implications 
for taxpayers. Consequences of not protecting water balance pathways include expensive fixes for flooding, erosion and habitat damage,” wrote Kim Stephens.
“Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery: A B.C. Framework provides a financial driver for local governments to integrate watershed systems thinking and climate adaptation into asset management.”
Asset Management Continuum
The continuum graphic below illustrates the journey as understanding grows and local governments progress towards a Water-Resilient Future. Different local governments will always be at different points and different levels of maturity along the Asset Management Continuum.
The Partnership for Water Sustainability is the champion for Step Three. Making better decisions to protect or restore watershed health (hydrologic integrity) starts with an understanding of HOW to mimic the natural Water Balance through a blend of engineered assets and natural services.
To Learn More:
Download We must protect watershed systems to read the complete article by Kim Stephens.
Click on the image below to download a PDF copy of the Asset Management Continuum.
