What are aquifers and why are they important? How does aquifer recharge occur? How big is the aquifer for Whidbey Island? What can be done to enhance it? How much water are we using from the aquifer? What implications does this have for Whidbey Island? 

Last night Whidbey Watershed Stewards hosted a presentation by hall of famer Perry Lovelace. Perry has 25 years experience in groundwater management. He is the Bayview Beach Water District Commissioner and serves as a Langley Public Works Advisory Commissioner. Perry's special interests are rainfall patterns, aquifers, wells and resource management.

At the presentation Perry explained and discussed the issues around the sustainability of our water resources on Whidbey Island. He also provided insights and explanations about what other communities – local to Whidbey and throughout the world – are doing about water resources.

The session was very well attended with 50 people at the session. The presentation lasted just over an hour and there was ample time for questions, answers, and discussion. There was also an active 3D groundwater model operating for the guests. The model shows how water flows (or not) through various soil compounds such as sand, gravel, and clay.

Perry’s presentation began with some important questions about aquifers and then explored each of them as they relate to the local Whidbey Island aquifer. The level of the attendees' attention was very high. The attendees had a number of great questions which created healthy and productive discussion.

Whidbey Watershed Stewards would like to thank Perry for making time to meet with our community and for his ongoing and tireless work and stewardship of our local water resources. We look forward to seeing him again very soon.

Clint Hatton

Executive Director

Whidbey Watershed Stewards