Face it, we're water hogs

Re: What's the problem with taking water from the lake?

While both sides of this argument have valid points, I too must side with John Zeger on this debate. Kelowna’s growth rate must be capped as it has gotten out of control in recent years. At the moment it has slowed because of the recession, but a cap should be put in place before the next boom comes along.

There are too many reasons to list for why this is needed, but two of the main topics have already been brought forward. Water availability and infrastructure.

Daryl Nystrom wrote, "Why not just take the water from the lake?" Simple answer."We are taking water from the lake!" Water from the lake is being used and every year less and less water is making it into the Okanagan Lake because residents are consuming more of it than ever before.

Whether we draw the water directly from the lake or before it gets there, makes no difference whatsoever Daryl. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that is what is called a moot point. Studies have been done that prove Okanagan Valley people are some of the biggest wasters of water on the planet. This is fact, not fiction. This is where the problem lies.

‘Water hogs’ are everywhere in this valley. Many of these abusers use far more water than necessary to maintain their properties. Why are moisture sensors not implemented into automatic irrigation systems? I have often wondered this. This way if it were raining, or enough moisture was detected in the ground, the system could skip a cycle, or more, until such a time as watering was once again needed. Imagine how much water could be saved by such a simple idea! It would also save the consumers cash as we pay for the amount of water we use.

I won’t even touch on the infrastructure issues as we all see them every day when we commute about the city. All I will say is the previous city planners did a poor job.

There is one more thing I would like to mention that I have never heard anyone bring up. Just how low can the Okanagan Lake’s level get before it impacts on the structural integrity of the William R. Bennett Bridge? Since this crossing is of a floating design, it must depend heavily on the water beneath it for its support.

Ken Lesko