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Switching from Bottled Water to Tap Filters

We are fortunate in Whistler that the water quality standards are very high and our drinking water is safe to drink out of the tap. In today's society, many people are more comfortable drinking bottled water or water that has been filtered. As such, we were providing filtered water in bottled form at water coolers all over the mountains.

In 2005, we decided that it was unnecessary to have water delivered to the mountains and transported to all of our locations and to deal with the handling and return of all of those bottles. Our Snowmaking staff researched numerous types of water filters, removed the bottled water and water coolers and installed filtration at our taps. Today, our employees enjoy clean, safe water while reducing the need for transport and packaging.

What we have done to conserve water and improve water quality:

• Installed water filters at the tap at many locations on the mountains to eliminate the use of bottled water.
• Since 2006, all new and replacement snowmaking pipe is lined to eliminate corrosion and the contribution of sediment to water courses.
• Snowmaking reservoir liners have been replaced to reduce leaks.
• Established a comprehensive maintenance program to monitor and fix leaks, reducing water and energy waste.
• Waterless urinals were installed at the Roundhouse (currently working out a manufacturing issue).
• A low-flush toilet pilot project is being carried out at the Rendezvous restaurant. Low-flush toilets have also been installed at Crystal Hut and Raven's Nest.
• Developed an extensive spill prevention, management and contingency plan that has been in place for several years.
• Replace older fuel depots with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure safety and environmental stewardship.
• Establish a water management group comprised of staff members from senior management, management and supervisory levels. The group uses the Natural Step framework as a basis for planning water initiatives from 2006 through 2008.

For more information about water quality and conservation, please contact Allana Hamm.