Have you ever wondered where your drinking water comes from?
The Capital Regional District (CRD) wants to show you—and it’s free!
CRD is offering a chance for residents to join free watershed tours, which will run through May and June this year, kicking off on May 2nd.
The ‘Get to Know Your H2O Tours’ are a great way to discover how your drinking water is delivered from source to tap.
You can register for the tour online, but spots are filling up quickly!
During the tour, you’ll discover the natural landscapes, water supply reservoirs and the water treatment process that provides Greater Victoria with high-quality tap water.
Participants will begin the tour at the watershed gate and hop on a tour bus that makes guided stops within the watershed. Participants will be allowed to exit the bus and discover firsthand the beauty of the watershed at each stop.
Along the way, tour guides will provide information with commentary about the watershed and encourage questions from participants.
The ‘Source to Tap Tour’ is five hours long, and follows the flow of water starting at the north end of Sooke Lake Reservoir—it explores the surrounding forests, Richet Creek (main tributary to Sooke Lake Reservoir), water supply facilities and the treatment process that ensures the water delivered to your tap is optimal.
Important tour info:
- Registration is required
- Maximum number of participants per tour is 42
- Tour is not suitable for children under 12
- Check out some FAQs about the tour here
Is the tour accessible?
Accessibility is dependent on tour dates, due to the type of bus available (some busses are not wheelchair equipped). Wheelchair accessible tour dates will be marked as (Accessible Tour). If you require an accessible tour, please ensure you book on a tour date marked as (Accessible Tour).
There are some uneven and gravelly paths on the tour, so please ensure that your wheelchair or walker can handle these conditions. At any point on the tour if you do not feel comfortable navigating the terrain you can remain on the bus and join in at the next tour stop.
Check out this video on Greater Victoria’s water supply:
CRD Watershed Tours
- Where: 2955 Sooke Lake Road – look for the CRD sandwich boards for where to park
- When:
- May 2nd – 5th
- May 9th -12th
- May 23rd, 24th & 26th
- May 30th & 31st
- June 1st & 2nd
- June 6th – 9th
- June 13th – 16th
- June 20th, 22nd & 23rd
- Register: Register online here
