The Comox Lake Watershed
The Comox Lake watershed is located in the traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation and is the source of drinking water for over 49,000 residents through the Comox Valley Water System and the Cumberland Water System.
The watershed is 461 square kilometres and reaches to the top of the Comox Glacier and the mountains surrounding Comox Lake. It is an interconnected system of mountains, forests, rivers, creeks and streams and an ecological corridor that links Vancouver Island mountains with the Salish Sea. All the snow and rain that falls within the Comox Lake watershed flows through forests, rivers, creeks and streams into Comox Lake.
Over the past 140 years the Comox Lake watershed has also been a base for mining, logging and recreation activities. While coal mining operations ended in the 1930’s, a large portion of the watershed is still currently privately owned and managed for timber supply. Comox Lake itself is a reservoir controlled by BC Hydro for power generation. Swimming, boating and camping also takes place in designated public access areas.
The watershed provides important habitat for fish and wildlife including species at risk like the Roosevelt elk, little brown bat and northern red-legged frog. Comox Lake flows into the Puntledge River providing stream flows that support many species of salmon. The watershed also feeds groundwater, aquifers and wells and supports vibrant aquatic ecosystems throughout the Comox Valley Regional District.
Click image to enlarge
Connected by Water
Connected by Water is a CVRD program developed in response to the community education and engagement recommendations in the Comox Lake Watershed Protection Plan. The goal of this program is to build capacity, community and connection to support watershed protection and water conservation efforts.
Working with community stakeholders and knowledge holders, the Connected by Water team has developed curriculum resources, workshops, projects, tours, presentations and a framework for discussion and learning.
Learn more about Connected by Water