One of the frequently asked questions that we are asked about the NIHO properties is if there is water access on our lots. Water access and the amount of potable water in a given area is not only a concern for those purchasing recreational real estate in British Columbia, but also for any nation in the world today. The World Bank reports that 80 countries now have water shortages that threaten health and economies while 40 percent of the world — more than 2 billion people — have no access to clean water or sanitation. While public perception is that most of these areas are Third World countries, the water supply in parts of North America is also beginning to dwindle.

As water shortages begin to dry up reservoirs across the southern United States, more and more people are looking for alternative sources of drinking water. More and more people are looking north to Canada. This situation is only starting to capture the media’s attention. For example, Macleans magazine recently featured a cover article on the looming water shortage in the United States.

According to Environment Canada, while Canada has 20% of the world’s freshwater resources, only 7% of those resources are renewable. The other 13% is fossil water, found in lakes, underground aquifers and glaciers. When considering the renewable water resource, we note that over half of this water drains into the Artic Ocean or Hudson’s Bay, far beyond the reach of most Canadians.

When you consider the water situation in British Columbia, you find that, even compared to most of the other provinces, we have an abundance of water. Runoff from BC streams and rivers is equal to one quarter of all fresh flowing water in Canada and 1.7% of the total from all land surfaces on Earth. Some areas of BC receive several meters of rainfall each year. There are thousands of kilometers of rivers stretching throughout this beautiful province. The largest river in British Columbia, the Fraser River, is over 1300 kilometers long. There are also an enormous number of freshwater lakes, scattered from the Lower Mainland to the most northern parts of British Columbia. While there are semi-arid regions of British Columbia, you are never too far away from freshwater sources. In some of these areas, such as our lots at the Thompson River Estates, the water can be right under your feet in one of our many underground aquifers.

As our president, Rudy Nielsen said about the water supply in British Columbia, “When it rains in B.C., people should get down and kiss the ground.” He’s always said that one day water would be worth more than oil and gold.

If you are looking to move away from droughts and water shortages, consider purchasing recreational property in British Columbia, home to some of the best drinking water in the world.