The Sunshine Coast Regional District has adopted a new strategy to guide water management over the next decade.
The SCRD Water Strategy 2025-2035 outlines a roadmap for building sustainable, resilient water systems.
“This strategy goes beyond planning and sets out the objectives that will guide the development of our water systems on the Sunshine Coast,” says SCRD board chair, Alton Toth. “It’s a roadmap for predictable service delivery for the next ten years.”
A news release from the SCRD notes the strategy responds to pressures such as climate change and increased demand.
Four priorities form the foundation of the plan. The first is a target to increase water supply to provide at least 750 litres of water per household per day during the summer months. The plan says it will be achieved by diversifying water sources and optimizing infrastructure.
Investment in infrastructure is the second priority, including specific upgrades to improve firefighting capabilities in some areas.
The third priority is efficiency – reducing outdoor use of drinking water and metering usage to inform operational efficiency. The SCRD says it will also explore opportunities to use non-potable water for making ice at arenas and irrigation of sports fields.
The final priority is protecting water sources.
“The SCRD looks to continue collaborating with regional partners and community members on monitoring programs for local watersheds and aquifers that provide drinking water to the region,” the SCRD says. “Community education and advocacy with all levels of government to protect these vital ecosystems will be prioritized.
