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Who are the real Valley water hogs?

To reduce water consumption is a commendable goal
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Who are the real Valley water hogs?

To reduce water consumption is a commendable goal, but to place the burden of achieving this goal on one sector of the Cowichan Valley community is unfair and inequitable. Maybe we should look at the broader picture of water consumption.

The Cowichan Valley has a population of approximately 84,000 people who reportedly consume a “staggering” 262 litres of water per person per day, but the Crofton Mill, on a per capita basis, consumes a truly staggering 1,800 litres per person per day. The German benchmark personal water consumption is reportedly half of our average consumption. What is the comparable water consumption rate for a pulp and paper mill in Germany?

While we are striving to maintain the health of the Cowichan River and aquifer, the Municipality of North Cowichan approved the development of a 1,200-plus lot subdivision with the potential for 2,500-plus new water consumers. How does that fit into the concept of reducing water consumption?

Who really are the “water hogs” in our community?

Chris Ellaway

North Cowichan