One of the ways 606 Water Group is dedicated to protecting one of our most precious resources is through a steady stream of information sessions highlighting the need to safeguard our water supply.
The group was formed in 2018 by Heather Phillips along with Lynn and Chris Moss to underscore the need to learn more and educate others about the importance of watersheds and water conservation.
Chris Moss said that after they approached the District of Sooke and the Capital Regional District with ideas on how to achieve their goals, they were encouraged even more when the district provided funding grants, and the CRD assisted efforts with valuable print information to help expand 606 Water Group's visibility and reach.
“The 606 Water Group is named after Aquifer 606, which stretches from Colwood to Jordan River from under the coast up to the Leech River fault," Chris Moss said. “All of our drinking water starts as rain or snow, whether it ends in the Sooke Lake Reservoir, streams or underground aquifers,"
606 Water Group now includes expertise from a professional rainwater harvesting designer, a geochemist, a biochemist and a graphic artist. The group puts out an e-newsletter about water and has presented programs for Sooke Region Lifelong Learning, the Sooke Garden Club, Sooke Region Community Health Network, and Girl Guides of Canada. They have participated in local events including at Canada Day, Sooke Market, Shirley Market, and Edward Milne Community School. The group also writes water articles for several organizations and hosts “pop-ups” at local parks that often include a Best Water Saving Tip drop box for kids’ ideas, and a blind draw at the end of the day, with all entries noted.
"Several kids aged 7 or 8 have suggested turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth or washing," Moss noted regarding entries they have received.
"That's a great answer and easy to do," he said. "The kids told us their Grade 1 teacher suggested they do that, and we applaud the teacher for that."
606 Water Group will be at Sun River Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SEAPARC on Aug. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at the Sooke Library Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Water Day, and at the Sooke Fall Fair Sept. 7-8.
"The fair's theme this year is Water is Life, which is our motto as well," Moss said. "Come and see the children’s watershed model where we demonstrate pollution and ways to stop it and our topographical wooden Sooke watershed map, and bring your own water stories and questions."
For more on 606 Water Group, visit https://opsrra.ca/2021/10/12/otter-point-606-water-group/.
Ty Lindenthaler created the topographical map of the Sooke watershed that will be on display. He is well known for combining carving with computers to make three-dimensional models and maps with his wife, Shaelynn.
"The model is made from red alder from Powell River, and took about 90 hours to complete," Lindenthaler said. "About half of that was carving, and about half consulting with 606 Water Group. I didn't know much about the water around Sooke, but 606 Water Group did a great job of explaining the importance of protecting it, and I'm very proud that I had the opportunity to work on that project with them."
For more on Lindenthaler, visit https://lindentreedesigns.ca/.
