I have lived in British Columbia all my life, and it's impossible not to notice the increasingly harsh wildfire seasons we experience. The threat of our communities being engulfed in flames is real, and the damage to our local forestry is devastating. It's time for us to take action.

We call upon the provincial government of British Columbia to address this urgent issue of water scarcity during summer months by installing water collection systems, such as rain barrels and cisterns, on residential and commercial properties. These systems can significantly reduce our reliance on treated drinking water, save residents money on their water bills, and most importantly help protect our environment from further harm.

According to Environment Canada (2019), BC experienced its driest summer on record with rainfall 40% below average levels. This has led not only to severe drought but also contributed significantly towards exacerbating wildfires that ravage our province every year.

The implementation of widespread water collection systems could be a vital step towards mitigating these issues - a simple yet effective solution that could make a significant difference in protecting both human lives and natural ecosystems.

Let's act now before it's too late - sign this petition urging the provincial government of British Columbia to implement these crucial measures against droughts and wildfires.

Petition to Instate Water Collection Systems in BC to Help Combat Drought in the Summer

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge the provincial government of British Columbia to take action on the issue of water scarcity and drought in the summer months. We believe that installing water collection systems, such as rain barrels and cisterns, on residential and commercial properties can help reduce the demand for treated drinking water, save money on water bills, and protect the environment.

Water collection systems are simple and effective ways to capture and store rainwater from roofs and use it for various purposes, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, washing cars, and more. According to the Capital Regional District (CRD), the average roof in the CRD can collect 272 litres of rain (60 gallons) on each nine square metres (about 100 square feet) for every 25mm (one inch) of rain1. This equals hundreds of litres of free water that can be used in the garden every year, for only a small investment of time and materials.

Water collection systems also have many benefits for the community and the environment, such as:

Saving treated drinking water, which is a precious and limited resource in BC, especially during the dry season.
Reducing the pressure on the stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, which can be overwhelmed by heavy rainfall and cause flooding, erosion, and pollution.
Promoting healthy plants, as rainwater is the ambient temperature, has micro-nutrients, and is chlorine-free.
Replenishing groundwater stores, which are essential for maintaining the natural hydrological cycle and supporting ecosystems.
We urge the provincial government of BC to support the installation of water collection systems by providing incentives, such as rebates, grants, or tax credits, to property owners who wish to adopt this practice. We also request the government to raise awareness and education on the benefits and best practices of water collection systems, and to collaborate with local governments and organizations to facilitate their implementation.

We believe that water collection systems are a viable and sustainable solution to address the water challenges that BC faces every summer. By signing this petition, we show our support for this initiative and ask the government to take action on this matter as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Sincerely,

Andrew Tyler Munro