05/20/2006: "County Asks For Help To Study Groundwater"

Island residents are invited to participate in a study of the county's aquifers by the citizen volunteer Water Resource Management Committee. The study will involve testing of wells to obtain information about sustainable capacity, sea water intrusion and potential nitrate contamination as part of a long-term resource management program. Priority areas include Lopez Island, Eastsound, and Deer Harbor, but a selection of wells throughout the county will be included.

The study will involve installing automatic data recording equipment in 35 wells to monitor changes in water levels in response to daily, monthly, and seasonal variations. Water quality samples will be taken twice a year. This is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of areas at risk for declining well yield and sea water intrusion. The results of the analysis will be provided to the well owners, including information about their water quality and susceptibility to sea water intrusion.

John Whetten, Lopez resident and chairman of the WRMC, encourages well owners on Lopez to participate in this study, which will build on the work done earlier by the County and USGS. This work will give island residents a reliable approach to identifying sea water intrusion. In Eastsound and Deer Harbor the study will provide information necessary to identify the amount of water that can safely be withdrawn from aquifers.

Community water systems are encouraged to participate in this study, also, which will provide them with an opportunity to evaluate and protect their water supply.

Thirty-five wells are needed for this study; preferably wells that are not being used, or used a little as possible. A selection of wells county-wide is needed, in addition to wells in the priority areas. Residents interested in participating in this study and contributing to a better understanding of our water resources should contact San Juan County Health and Community Services by June 15. Contact Vicki Heater or Jean Schmidt at 378-4474, or write or email: Health and Community Services, P.O. Box 607, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. vickih@co.san-juan.wa.us