Water rules a concern in Spallumcheen

By Roger Knox – Vernon Morning Star 

New provincial legislation not allowing two residences on one parcel of land to be serviced by one well without establishing a community water system is not sitting well with Spallumcheen council.

Especially after the township voted recently to allow secondary residences on certain sized parcels.

“It’s having an impact,” said Coun. Christine Fraser of the Drinking Water Protection Act and Drinking Water Protection regulation that Interior Health is enforcing.

“It could cost $30,000 for a resident to drill a second well to service a secondary residence,” said Fraser, who called for motion to send a letter to IHA and the minister of health stating the township’s concerns with the legislation.

Further, Fraser called for the letter to state how the rules will have a direct impact on the rural community.

“This requirement is not acceptable for rural communities,” said Fraser, whose motion was unanimously supported by council.

A similar letter will be sent by the township to the Southern Interior Local Government Association asking to support a resolution to allow one well to service two residences on one parcel without having to set up a community water system so as not to negatively impact the agricultural sector.