Revelstoke is one of the places receiving the most precipitation in the Interior of BC, as the Columbia Mountains trap moisture-rich air traveling eastward from the coast. The inland temperate rainforest zone, which is unique to a place that is situated so far from the sea, results in a warm, rainy summer and a long, snow-covered winter, with annual precipitation amounting to more than a meter of water. For homeowners planning new construction or upgrading an ageing system, this climate has real consequences for how water systems are designed.
The abundant precipitation and meltwater ensure that the ground stays wet most of the year, especially in those homes that are situated close to the Illecillewaet River or the valley slopes. The saturation of the ground will determine the capacity of a septic system to drain effluent into the ground and also affect the reliability of the source of water.
According to the BC Sewerage System Regulation, all dwellings that do not have access to municipal sewer facilities must have an onsite system installed by an Authorized Person, either a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner or a professional engineer. Prior to starting construction of any Revelstoke water systems projects, this professional carries out an assessment of soil texture, slope, and water table level during different seasons, including spring when there is a lot of snowmelt and also the relatively dry late summer season. The results of this assessment are registered at the local health department, and any subsequent changes in occupancy and/or system configuration require another assessment.
For anyone planning a Revelstoke water systems project, topography matters just as much as precipitation levels. Many lots in Revelstoke are located on sloping terrain going from valley bottom to alpine terrain; therefore, the location of the septic field in relation to the slope and its proximity to water sources is more critical than in flatlands. Otherwise, there is a risk of effluent draining toward neighbouring properties or nearby waterways instead of being properly filtered by the soil.
When it comes to domestic water supplies, there are basic but important precautions to be taken into account considering the severe nature of winters, such as safeguarding the intake from spring water runoff and ensuring the lines are buried beneath the frost line. If you own your well system, then it would be wise to test the water periodically, especially during wet seasons when it may be contaminated due to surface pollutants carried by excess rainwater.
There are several other seasonal precautions which many homeowners often ignore. These include regular inspections of septic tanks, which should be done more frequently in a climate where there is continuous moisture in the soil. It is also vital to clear off any snow from the well cap and check for any exposed connections before the first deep freeze.
All of this is not to say that it is exceptionally hard to develop and enhance a water drainage system in Revelstoke; what it does mean is that the climate and terrain must be taken into account from the outset of the design process. Consulting experts who understand both the regulations and the behaviour of mountain soils help homeowners build a system suited to a place where rain and snow fall in nearly equal measure, protecting their property and the surrounding watershed for years to come.
Brad Richards is the author of this article. For further detail about construction in Salmon Arm, Please visit the website: amigotruck.ca.