West Van Drinking Water Quality
Drinking Water - North Van, West Van, Howe Sound, Lions Bay, Furry Creek, Britannia Beach
I'm often asked about the quality of Potable / Drinking water in the various communities I serve on the North Shore and Sea To Sky Corridor.
Having lived in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver's North Shore and the Sea To Sky corridor, the Best Tasting water to be found in my opinion is on the corridor!
Some Basic Information
Generally speaking, potable water in the Lower Mainland exhibits a low pH factor meaning that it tends to be somewhat acidic in nature. In fact, the District of North Vancouver monitors and adjusts the pH in its distribution system using Soda Ash. This is also why so many builders and renovators have opted to use Pex Plastic pipe to distribute water as it does not corrode.
Lower Mainland water is also described as being "Soft Water". A benefit of soft water can be seen in the smaller quantities of soaps, shampoos, and detergents required in daily household and personal use.
Where Does Your Drinking Water Come From?
There are a variety of water sources that feed the various communities in the area from Regional (GVRD) Watersheds e.g. Capilano and Seymour Reservoirs, to Lake and Creek fed, e.g. Eagle Lake and Montizambert Creek for western portions of West Vancouver District, to corridor Creek Sources e.g. Magnesia Creek in Lions Bay or Britannia Creek at Britannia Beach, or my favourite... Deep Well Aquafir at Furry Creek.
Notwithstanding how the water tastes, most questions focus on Quality, Controls, and Response to Hazards.
Get The Facts About Water Quality
There are some very informative web sites that can provide answers to important questions that you may have.
For Sea To Sky Corridor communites Click on The Coast Garibaldi Health Link then click on the desired community (Lions Bay, Porteau Cove, Britannia Beach, etc.) in the menu bar on the left side of the page. Note for Furry Creek, you will need to select "Squamish" and then click on "Furry Creek".
The Coast Garibaldi Health Authority provides public access to Water Quality Guidelines, Reports, Hazards and Advisories for the Sea To Sky Region.
For other North Shore communities select one of the following Links.
The Village of Lions Bay has posted the full 2005 Drinking Water Quality Report on its site.
The District of West Vancouver has posted the full 2003 Drinking Water Quality Report on its site.
The District of North Vancouver has posted the full 2004 Drinking Water Quality Report on its site.
The City of North Vancouver has posted the full 2003 Drinking Water Quality Report on its site. Enter "Drinking Water" into the Search Box.
Please contact me if you would like to know more about any of these truly Extraordinary communities.
Anita Schmitt, Realtor - Royal LePage Northshore
This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.