Hello Texada!  Here are a few notes from our last Van Anda Improvement District (VAID) regular board meeting held June 14^th.

WATER: Water gain from a day of rain: approximately 2 centimetres (.75 inch) measured at Priest Lake.

Daily water loss from evaporation with no rain: approximately 0.6 – 1.27 centimetres (0.25 – 0.50 inches) depending on heat.

We experienced unseasonable heat in May and an extended dry spell which brought Priest Lake to its lowest level in recent years for May. Even after the recent rain, the lake level is still lower that it was on this date in 2021.

The trend toward hotter, drier conditions during summer is forecast to continue. Improved water intake options and pumping capabilities for fire protection use are still being explored.

Water use rose gradually as the dry spell continued, with daily average of 110,000 USG (416 m3) per day for the week before it rained. As of Jun 20, the daily average is 88,000 USG (333 m3).

If we wish to have access to sufficient, clean drinking water for daily consumption we must address and correct all water leaks, water waste and water theft. If you notice standing water, wet ground around town, or have any concerns, please let a VAID board member or the office know.

FIRE PROTECTION: Crescent Bay residents approached acting Fire Chief Mark Robert for fire protection.

This can be provided if properties are in the Improvement District, so a boundary amendment is required. This is a lengthy process and must be initiated by the property owners.

INFORMATION concerning VAID is available at our website www.vananda-id.ca. A quarterly newsletter is underway.

NEXT MEETING: Residents are encouraged to attend VAID meetings. Next meeting is July 12^th at 1:30pm, upstairs at the fire hall in Van Anda.

Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM on April 22. Concerns expressed by residents have been reviewed and discussed by the Trustees, who welcome your input and encourage everyone to attend the regular monthly meetings. Next meeting is June 14, 1.30 upstairs at the Firehall.

Welcome new Trustees Jennifer Moore and Phillip Tidd! Thank you for volunteering for this important work.

Many thanks to retiring Trustees Neale Berger and George Childress for your work on the board and in the community in these changing times.

Two important issues we are dealing with are Priest Lake water levels and loss of treated water from leaks. Lake levels in late summer 2021 were so low that we realised the placement of the water intake pumps needs attention. We are repositioning these this year. The shallow placement of the pumps has been a known concern for many years; changed seasonal weather patterns have determined we must correct the issue now. Priest Lake is more than 50 feet deep; there is plenty of water.

Regarding leaks, VAID was processing up to 160,000 gallons of water/day in 2021; this has decreased to about 70,000. We are continuing to repair mains leaks and now helping residents identify leaks on their properties. Two sections of pipe will be replaced this year and we will continue with pipe replacement in future years.

Concerns were expressed about whether our system can handle new connections. As we are processing only 45% of the water processed in the past, it was decided by the Board that there is sufficient capacity to approve a moderate number of new hook-ups. All new applications are evaluated before approval, with engineering reports provided (at the developers cost) when the Trustees consider professional input necessary.

Please contact us with any concerns: email contact@vananda-id.ca or phone 604-486-7035.

Annual Open Burning Ban in effect from May 15 until October 15. More information can be found online at vananda-id.ca/fire-restrictions/

Leak Detection on Private Property Water loss through leaks is still a significant issue in Van Anda. Water operators Austin Rycroft and Michael Smith will be checking for leaks on private property during the next few months. The process takes just a few minutes and requires only that you turn off water using devices for the short duration of the test. They will speak with you before proceeding with testing and can arrange for another time that is more convenient if necessary.

Water Conservation – Stage 1 started as usual on April 1. Stage 2 begins May 15.

In all stages,

• Water hoses must be equipped with a handheld automatic shut off nozzle.
• Hand watering is to be done by a handheld container or a handheld hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
• Use of micro-irrigation or drip irrigation systems to water trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables is allowed on any day, at any time, as required.

STAGE 1 water conservation April 1 – May 15

• Watering lawns with sprinkler: maximum one hour, at any time of day, one day a week.
• Hand watering and sprinklers to water trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables: maximum of one hour, at any time, on any day.
• Washing vehicle or boat: only between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm
• Adding water to a swimming pool, hot tub, garden pond or fountain: only between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

STAGE 2 water conservation begins May 15

The full chart of water restrictions can be accessed at vananda-id.ca/water-conservation-bylaw/

If you have any questions or comments about these or any other matters, please email contact@vananda-id.ca or phone 604-486-7035.  Consider attending VAID’s regular board meetings – everyone is always welcome. Meetings for the remainder of 2023 are on Wednesdays at 1.30 on May 17, Jun 14, Jul 12, Aug 16, Sep 13, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 13 and are held upstairs at the Firehall.