- Suellen Ross

Water, Water Everywhere, But...

Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.

Part One: "An island environment is like the Ancient Mariner's ship: a certain store of fresh water exists, but beyond that is the undrinkable salt sea." [Summer 1990]

Part Two: "The study focused on two fundamental questions...whether or not our fresh water supply was derived...from old water trapped during the last ice age. The second question was the degree to which aquifers are in communication and thus, able to transfer water from one part of the island to another." [Fall 1990]

Update: "Residents of Guemes Island are aware that their aquifer has a limited quantity and should have special considerations. In a previous study, the DOE has outlined the salt water intrusion problem. This information should be used in the Skagit County planning process and the water system planning process. The integrity of the existing aquifer should be protected." [Winter 1991]

Part Three: "We don't yet know the capacity of the aquifers on Guemes nor how much can safely be withdrawn without depleting the reservoir of fresh water." [Fall 1994]