![Aquatic Resources Conservation [ARC]](/uploads/1/3/5/2/13524076/1406305287.png)
Marrowstone Island, WA
Private citizens - water conservation plan
This small island off the Olympic Peninsula depends on an EPA-designated “sole source aquifer” for all its water; the aquifer is recharged solely through precipitation, which measures only 18 inches annually. A proposal for construction of a new waterline to bring a potable source from the mainland would allow great population growth, threaten the aquifer and its sole source status, and dramatically alter the quality of life that has led the 1000 permanent residents to choose the island as home. A small group of island residents retained ARC to develop a comprehensive water conservation plan as an alternative. This includes discussion of adding flow control devices for wells, use of alternative sources for water (e.g., rainwater catchment systems) of appropriate sanitation systems (that do not use water to flush sewage into septic tanks). The plan is predicated on allowing growth in the future, while assuring that the carrying capacity of the island is not exceeded.
This small island off the Olympic Peninsula depends on an EPA-designated “sole source aquifer” for all its water; the aquifer is recharged solely through precipitation, which measures only 18 inches annually. A proposal for construction of a new waterline to bring a potable source from the mainland would allow great population growth, threaten the aquifer and its sole source status, and dramatically alter the quality of life that has led the 1000 permanent residents to choose the island as home. A small group of island residents retained ARC to develop a comprehensive water conservation plan as an alternative. This includes discussion of adding flow control devices for wells, use of alternative sources for water (e.g., rainwater catchment systems) of appropriate sanitation systems (that do not use water to flush sewage into septic tanks). The plan is predicated on allowing growth in the future, while assuring that the carrying capacity of the island is not exceeded.