Water Availability in Qualicum Beach

With neighbouring communities and many other island communities further away, under severe water restrictions, I ask the question “What information have we been given about the Town of Qualicum Beach’s current water situation?”

The RDN recently released their Regional Groundwater Level Analysis Report covering the entire RDN with data taken from 62 observation wells across the region. ( Link provided below.) This is an important issue for all residents and I was surprised that our mayor did not speak to the issue in the last council meeting. I have taken the time to review that data provided by the RDN but want to emphasize that I have no more ability to assess the information than that of most other residents in our community.

Information shared by the RDN

The presentation to the RDN Directors provided them and the public with a map of the entire RDN including the location of all the monitored observation wells. This allows us to identify which wells represent information directly pertinent to residents of the Town of Qualicum Beach. We are also given a summary of the overall well data in table form, historical groundwater level trends and seasonal trends demonstrating the current positions.

From this information I have isolated the observation wells and affected aquifers that are within our community and/or nearby boundaries.

My conclusion from this information is that wells in our area appear to have negative trends and the residents need to know more about what this means for us both in the near term and long term.  Should we be building more storage capacity and what are the related costs?  We continue to hear that Qualicum is in a very good position with respect to water and that further restrictions are not necessary at this time. Concerned residents should take the opportunity to review the RDN presentation link below and or write to the town requesting a presentation from our experts relative to the monitoring done inhouse and the conclusions derived therein. This issue deserves more focus from our elected officials and staff.

Marie Noel

June 24th 2026

We welcome your comments and feedback .

You can email us at QualicumBeachInsights@gmail.com

More info

Link to RDN Board meeting video June 23 2026

(includes agenda package attachments)