WET Water Catchment Survey in Progress

Lopezian homeowners and contractors who have installed water catchment systems, or are planning to, are being asked to take part in an unofficial survey conducted by the Watershed Enhancement Team (WET). The collected information will be shared with others who are interested in “rainwater harvesting.”

Dan Silkiss of WET said, “We want to look into what’s practical and be able to advise people.” WET’s general mission is to share information about the watershed with the public.

Silkiss said the number of catchment systems used for both potable water and agriculture is increasing rapidly. San Juan County is one of very few Washington counties to allow catchment systems. County and State laws still conflict where rainwater catchment is concerned.

Some islanders are putting in ponds and surrounding them with plantings to provide more wildlife habitat. Others, impressed by the success of their catchment systems, are adding more roof area and tanks to their set-ups.

Ed Stuhr, owner of Sustainable Systems L.L.C., is one of several contractors in the county who are installing catchment systems or selling equipment. Stuhr said a catchment system that will produce potable water is “fairly expensive, like putting in a well,” because the water has to be pressurized and purified. However, rainwater catchment is allowing some landowners to build homes in areas where water is in short supply. Systems must conform to guidelines set down by the County Health Department.

Silkiss planned to compile the WET catchment survey results in time for the July 27 Lopez public meeting revealing the draft of the new San Juan County Water Resource Management Plan. The results will also be on display at the San Juan County Fair.

To share information about catchment systems, call Dan Silkiss, 468-3242, or email desilk@rockisland.com.

The Water Resource Management Plan draft can be seen online at www.co.san-juan.wa.us/health/ehs.html.

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