Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 31st August 2025
sadhu
Dear Community,
There’s nothing like a hot and dry summer to remind us of how much we rely upon our island groundwater and how much climate change will impact our island ecology. In 2023 we hosted a housing summit where water supply was a major topic of concern. That discussion set-us down the path of further understanding our aquifer water systems. We are pleased to present the findings of the Cortes Island Aquifer Health Assessment, a study commissioned by the Cortes Housing Society to map and assess the health of our island aquifers. This report, made possible with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC, gives us the critical data needed to responsibly plan for the years ahead. It is a tool that empowers us to make informed decisions, ensuring that as the climate changes, we can protect the long-term health of our island's essential water resources. This study provides a clear, science-based foundation for for us to understand our island water systems.
"This report is essential reading for all of us. It's difficult to responsibly plan or consider new development on Cortes without understanding the health of our aquifers. Thank you to everyone that helped make this report possible. I look forward to next steps in monitoring and education." Mark Vonesch
Regional Director- Cortes Island
This assessment acts as a strategic roadmap, identifying the areas where water supplies are plentiful as well as highlighting sensitive areas that require more careful management. By understanding the specific capacities of our different aquifers, this report allows us to thoughtfully balance the need for more housing with our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, and to ensuring that development is sustainable and works in harmony with our natural systems.
To that end, the report indicates that we have strong aquifers and water supplies, and offers several key recommendations for building a secure water future. It calls for the creation of a community-wide monitoring network to keep a pulse on the health of our aquifers. It also emphasizes the importance of water conservation education, empowering all residents to use our resources wisely. For new developments, the study recommends planning for shared water and sewerage infrastructure to optimize efficiency and protect water quality. Finally, it highlights the need to support homeowners with education on best practices for well and septic system care. By embracing these recommendations, we can use this report as our guide to build a thriving and resilient Cortes Island.
We were very fortunate to have Groundwater Solutions (GWS) conduct this study for us. The Senior Hydrologist who oversaw this project, Sylvia Barroso had this to say about the project:
“The Cortes Island aquifer health assessment gives a foundational overview of water resources on Cortes Island, a community that benefits from abundant water resources from groundwater aquifers, lakes, rivers and springs. Current water use on Cortes Island is small in comparison to availability from annual precipitation and groundwater recharge. However, seasonally water is supplied from storage in aquifers and surface water bodies, and the location in an island setting highlights the need to carefully manage the hazard of seawater intrusion in areas near the coast. The Cortes Island community is encouraged to establish education programs, and monitoring networks to improve the understanding of water sources, and interactions between groundwater and surface water environments on the island. Overall, the assessment provides a foundation for informed decision-making to ensure the long-term sustainability of Cortes Island's water resources, balancing development needs with environmental protection.”
The Cortes Housing Society would like to thank the many Cortes residents that participated in the study and information sessions over the last year. As an organization, we will be reviewing the recommendations and working to partner with Cortes residents and organizations to implement them.
You can access the study here: https://cortescommunityhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/24-15_Cortes-Island-Watershed-Aquifer-Study_FINAL.pdf
We hope you enjoy the last few days of summer!
The CHS Team
There’s nothing like a hot and dry summer to remind us of how much we rely upon our island groundwater and how much climate change will impact our island ecology. In 2023 we hosted a housing summit where water supply was a major topic of concern. That discussion set-us down the path of further understanding our aquifer water systems. We are pleased to present the findings of the Cortes Island Aquifer Health Assessment, a study commissioned by the Cortes Housing Society to map and assess the health of our island aquifers. This report, made possible with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC, gives us the critical data needed to responsibly plan for the years ahead. It is a tool that empowers us to make informed decisions, ensuring that as the climate changes, we can protect the long-term health of our island's essential water resources. This study provides a clear, science-based foundation for for us to understand our island water systems.
"This report is essential reading for all of us. It's difficult to responsibly plan or consider new development on Cortes without understanding the health of our aquifers. Thank you to everyone that helped make this report possible. I look forward to next steps in monitoring and education." Mark Vonesch
Regional Director- Cortes Island
This assessment acts as a strategic roadmap, identifying the areas where water supplies are plentiful as well as highlighting sensitive areas that require more careful management. By understanding the specific capacities of our different aquifers, this report allows us to thoughtfully balance the need for more housing with our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, and to ensuring that development is sustainable and works in harmony with our natural systems.
To that end, the report indicates that we have strong aquifers and water supplies, and offers several key recommendations for building a secure water future. It calls for the creation of a community-wide monitoring network to keep a pulse on the health of our aquifers. It also emphasizes the importance of water conservation education, empowering all residents to use our resources wisely. For new developments, the study recommends planning for shared water and sewerage infrastructure to optimize efficiency and protect water quality. Finally, it highlights the need to support homeowners with education on best practices for well and septic system care. By embracing these recommendations, we can use this report as our guide to build a thriving and resilient Cortes Island.
We were very fortunate to have Groundwater Solutions (GWS) conduct this study for us. The Senior Hydrologist who oversaw this project, Sylvia Barroso had this to say about the project:
“The Cortes Island aquifer health assessment gives a foundational overview of water resources on Cortes Island, a community that benefits from abundant water resources from groundwater aquifers, lakes, rivers and springs. Current water use on Cortes Island is small in comparison to availability from annual precipitation and groundwater recharge. However, seasonally water is supplied from storage in aquifers and surface water bodies, and the location in an island setting highlights the need to carefully manage the hazard of seawater intrusion in areas near the coast. The Cortes Island community is encouraged to establish education programs, and monitoring networks to improve the understanding of water sources, and interactions between groundwater and surface water environments on the island. Overall, the assessment provides a foundation for informed decision-making to ensure the long-term sustainability of Cortes Island's water resources, balancing development needs with environmental protection.”
The Cortes Housing Society would like to thank the many Cortes residents that participated in the study and information sessions over the last year. As an organization, we will be reviewing the recommendations and working to partner with Cortes residents and organizations to implement them.
You can access the study here: https://cortescommunityhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/24-15_Cortes-Island-Watershed-Aquifer-Study_FINAL.pdf
We hope you enjoy the last few days of summer!
The CHS Team