Fernie’s Water Footprint

If you were asked to picture water in Fernie, you might form an image of the Elk River and its many tributaries. Memories of river dips, paddling, or fishing might come to mind, but what about the ways we use water at home? The water we use for showering, washing dishes, and making coffee, all connects to the river. 

The Flow of Fernie’s Water
Fernie’s water comes primarily from the Fairy Creek spring. This groundwater source feeds both the City’s water system and Fairy Creek itself, which flows into the Elk River just upstream of town. 

A well in James White Park serves as a backup source when necessary, providing water to our homes during periods of high turbidity (increased cloudiness in water caused by suspended particles). Turbidity can increase with heavy rainfall or snowmelt, washing dirt and particulates into the water. 

Once water is used in our homes, most of it will return to the river through one of two pathways. Water used inside that goes down the drain travels 8km south to our water treatment station. Here, it is treated before being released back into the watershed. In contrast, much of the water we use outside for lawn watering, car washing, and more, flows into our storm drains. In Fernie, stormwater remains untreated and is returned directly to the watershed, carrying with it any pollutants that are picked up and mixed into the water.

Our Water Footprints
According to the City of Fernie, each household uses an average of 2,152 litres of water per day. This is equivalent to filling up a bathtub roughly 18 times and is 5x higher than the national average of 401L. 
Through most of the year, toilet flushing and showers account for nearly half of BC’s indoor water usage. In the dry summer months however, lawn and garden watering increase, accounting for roughly a third of annual water use.

Protecting Fernie’s water starts at home. While addressing water challenges can feel overwhelming, collective individual actions can play a meaningful role in protecting and preserving the local watershed. Reducing outdoor water use in the summer by collecting water in rain barrels or using native drought resistant plants in your garden can greatly reduce impact. At home, low flow water fixtures, fixing leaky faucets, and being mindful of how long your water is running can all help lessen the stress on our systems.

Why it Matters
The Elk River Watershed is fundamental to those who live and play here. Water stressors increase with the growth of Fernie’s population and tourism industry. Between 2011 and 2021, Fernie’s population grew by over 40% with another 75% projected by 2050. 

When high volumes of water flow through the city’s wastewater systems, it can lead to critical overflow situations where the treatment facility cannot hold all of the water. This results in untreated water being outflowed into the river which is necessary to avoid system failures and sewage back up. This outflow however can introduce contaminants and excess nutrients to the watershed, altering the natural conditions and impacting aquatic life. 

As water cycles through our homes, it also cycles through the ecosystem. When water is returned to the river untreated via storm drains or wastewater system overflows, it brings our human impact with it. 

Furthermore, water is a finite resource. Even in places that are seemingly abundant with water, drinkable sources can be pushed to their limits. In extreme weather conditions including both high rainfall events and summer droughts, stress is placed on water infrastructure and natural systems alike. With ongoing pressures from climate change and population growth, concerns for water stability continue to increase. This reality highlights the need to treat our water systems with care.

Staying informed on local water matters can be the first place to start. Keeping up to date with municipal water statements and the Elk River Alliance can help to navigate your personal water impact.