This Newsletter is published quarterly, March, June, September and December by the B. C. Ground Water Association. For more information please contact: Secretary Treasurer, Joan Perry, 1708 - 197 A Street, Langley, B. C. V2Z 1K2 Phone or Fax: 604-530-8934

Archived Newsletters:

Click here for the BC Government Document: NEW STANDARDS TAKE EFFECT FOR PRIVATE WELL OWNERS

Click here to download the PDF file BCGWA Okanagan Region Regulations Forum
Penticton Lakeside Resort - 7 Dec 2005

Click here to download the PDF file of an important update on Ground Water Protection Regulation (GWPR) from the BC Ministry of Environment.

December 2006 BCGWA Newsletter

President’s Address

SURFACE WATER WOES

Pity the 2 million poor souls that were faced with having to boil their drinking water this past month. If only they had been as blessed as those of us who count on ground water as our principle source. It may not result in a boon for the groundwater industry, but I am sure that it will make some councilors, and town fathers reconsider any plans to embrace big pipelines and surface water supplies. Of course we all know that it is not feasible for population centers like Vancouver and Victoria to convert to ground water. But some might consider the wisdom of having at least some groundwater supplies for emergencies. What would Vancouver do for example, if a toxin that could not be eliminated through boiling contaminated their reservoirs? A chemical spill, a plane crash, or perhaps a terrorist attack could all render the water supply unfit. A number of strategically placed water wells could at least provide water to supplement limited supplies of imported and expensive bottled water for drinking and cooking.

It isn’t nice to gloat, but it is good to see surface water taking a little heat (pun intended) after the bad rap that water wells got from the Walkerton tragedy.

Regional Meetings

So far this Fall we have had 3 very successful regional meetings; Fraser Valley, Cariboo North, and Okanagan. All were well attended by drillers of all types, pump installers of all sizes, and a good selection of M & S, professionals, and government representatives. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend all three, and enjoyed chatting with old colleagues and meeting new ones. At two of the meetings, Ministry of Environment folks made presentations with question and answer periods. Lively discussions ensued, often relating to the new regulations. A big thank you goes to the Regional Directors for organizing the meetings, and to all those who took time out of their busy lives to attend.

Some of the recurring themes so far have been: Re-establishing surface seals after pitless installations; unregistered people working in the field; enforcement (or lack of enforcement) of the regulations; training opportunities for people entering the field; lack of public awareness of the regulations; geo-exchange effects on aquifers; and safety training for contractors. Confined space training was mentioned as particularly important due to the unfortunate asphyxiation deaths of 4 people in Kimberly in a water sampling sump.

In response to these issues I have sent a letter to the Ground Water Advisory Board, met with the BC Industry Training Authority, and hope to have a confined space training course set up for all interested parties at the March convention and AGM.

I would recommend that anyone who can, make plans to attend the Geo-Exchange conference this spring. This industry is going to take off in the coming years as energy becomes more valuable. Geo-Exchange is in fact, a form of free energy like wind and sunshine, and aren’t the best things in life free?

This is the last newsletter before Christmas so unless you see me shopping in the mall on Dec. 24, have a very merry Christmas. We will be closing down our office from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2. It is a practice that I highly recommend, as we all need the family time and down time. Please be careful out there in this treacherous winter weather. Plan for 2007 to be every bit as busy as 2006, and mark the last weekend in March on your new calendars for the convention in Langley.

David Slade
President, BCGWA

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Regional Meetings Reports

Fraser Valley Regional meeting

The meeting was attended by president David Slade along with most of the local drilling contractors and a good number of pump installers and some M&S. Gwyn Graham of the Surrey government Branch and Antigone Dixon-Warren from the Township of Langley also attended, and for the first time, a couple of the environmental drilling group led by Bill Tuytel attended. About 30 members in all. A good turn out.

The following were discussed during the morning session:

1. Well cleaning

There are a good number of wells that are 25 years or older in the Province. Many of them are showing encrustation and build up on the casing wall and screen. Cleaning of these wells has been very limited due to the lack of availability of a drill rig to come in when the pump has been pulled for replacement. The well cleaning market is wide open for a contractor to get into. All that is needed is a small service rig.

It would be ideal for the contractor to sell a package deal to replace the pump and service the well at the same time. This work could be scheduled saving the well owner a considerable amount of money. Emphasis was placed on the need for a short report of the completed work. Failure of supplying the well owner a report would be a very poor business practice. Gwyn reviewed the new regulations. It appears that our members have adapted very well to the new reg’s. Antigone discussed some of the local groundwater issues including recent updates on delineation of the Hopington Aquifer. In the afternoon we broke into groups. Water well drillers, pump installers, consultants, and M&S.

Jim Clark
Fraser Valley Director

Cariboo Regional Meeting

The Cariboo Regional Meeting was held October 21st and was well attended. Sixteen companies were represented with eight pump installers and 11 drillers. Many thanks to David Slade for coming up, sharing with us and taking our concerns back with him. MOE’s staff from Prince George and Kamloops, Dave Tamblyn, Kevin Bennett and Laurie Lyons were present to answer regulation questions. Special thanks to Kevin who made a presentation on the GWPR and discussed what Phase 2 and 3 will look like. Surface seals were discussed and concluded that the seal from the pitless down is the most important. Replacing the surface seal after filling in a six foot deep ditch defeats the intention of the rule; with compaction, the soil around the casing will be no more permeable than the surrounding soil. No one present, driller or pump installer, was in favor of building or working on or in pump pits. We recommend the language be changed in the book to read that building pits be an exception, not an option, and only be allowed if built under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer. It was noted that pits in this part of the province are always at least six feet deep and present more of a concern than a shallow pit. They become a confined space and as such can be dangerous. In Alberta we had two teenagers die in a pump pit.

A lengthy discussion was had over well testing for real estate transactions. A copy of what Hillside Pumps does for testing has been circulated amongst those interested. Comments and changes are to be added to this in hopes of creating a standard testing requirement for the area.

Peter Epp
Cariboo Regional Director

Okanagan Regional Meeting

Remi Allard chaired the informal and non-structured Regional meeting at the Manteo Resort in Kelowna on October 23. He reported an excellent turnout. Membership is gaining momentum with representatives from various groups present. President David Slade was present and discussed issues from other regional meetings. He is also interested in hearing from members regarding what they would like to hear or learn at our annual convention. He also commented on the excellent support we have from the government and in turn we have a good opportunity to influence legislation.

Five Main topics of issues were discussed:
- well seals/surface
- Well decommissioning
- Geothermal wells
- Drilling rates
- Safety

Geothermal drilling was one of the main discussions of the meeting. There seems to be a general lack of knowledge on how geothermal will affect the groundwater source in the long term. Another main issue was the certification and quality of installation. The Water Supply Association mentioned that they are encouraged by the geothermal industry joining with the BCGWA.

Thank you to everyone for coming. We are also dialoguing with other provincial associations and government. Each member has a say in what your association can do for you and what it stands for. Be active. If not a member, consider joining.

Remi Allard
Okanagan Director

*****

Just before Christmas, an honest politician, a generous lawyer and Santa Claus were riding in the elevator of a very posh hotel. Just before the doors opened they all noticed a $20.00 bill lying on the floor. Which one picked it up?
Answer: Santa of course, because the other two don’t exist.

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Laurie Desilets Memorial Fund

In mid 1995 a group of eight senior members of the BCGWA created the idea of a bursary fund to be used to financially assist those requiring training in our industry. The fund evolved from the death of an honored member of our association; Laurie Desilets.

Laurie was a founding member of the association, and its first president in 1970 and again in 1978-79. He owned and operated Rural Well Drillers Ltd., founded in 1957 and was one of the first in the province to purchase and master the air rotary drill rig. During his career Laurie was a highly respected well driller, a man of integrity and knowledge. Upon retirement in 1991 he became the Managing Director of the BCGWA, a position he held until he was forced to relinquish it due to ill health in March 1995. Sadly Laurie passed away in May 1995 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Following Laurie’s passing a number of members contributed to the fund in his memory. Recently enacted groundwater regulations often require the need for continuing education and training for some in our industry. This fund can provide assistance to those who need to upgrade their skills through programs at Red Deer College or short courses provided by government and industry.

The executive wishes to formalize the fund’s structure, application qualifications and award requirements. A bursary process will be researched and presented (in a motion) to the general membership at the 2007 Annual General Meeting.

The fund currently contains $2,000 and further donations will be gratefully accepted by the BCGWA.

Bruce Ingimundson, Treasurer

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Ground Water Model?

The B. C. Ground Water Association purchased a ground water model years ago. It was a great purchase and it has been used many, many times over the years. We have loaned it out to several companies and Municipalities.

We are now trying to remember who the last company was that borrowed it. We seem to have “misplaced” it. If anyone happens to know where the model is, could you please contact the office. Thank you.

Joan Perry

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New Area Map

There has been some discussion in defining the Regional areas of our Province. Remi Allard has submitted a new area map which has made changes to the Okanagan, Cariboo and Kootenay Regions. Thank you Remi, for working on this and trying to come up with an agreeable solution for all members.

Please look over the new map which is available in PDF by clicking HERE and send in any comments you may have.

Joan Perry

*****

What do you call a polar bear wearing ear muffs?
Answer: Anything you want. He can’t hear you!

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Notes from the Vice President

Greetings and happy holidays to all our members. I hope you are busy and safe as we move into the winter season. Planning ahead for next spring, there are two important meetings I encourage you to include on your calendar. One is our own Annual General Meeting and Conference on March 28-31, 2007. Gilles Wendling is busy compiling speakers and organizing things, along with Joan Perry. We trust it will be bigger and better than ever before.

The other is the 2nd Biennial International Geoexchange Conference and Trade Show, on March 6 – 9, 2007, hosted by GeoExchange BC. Please see the full page information included elsewhere in this newsletter. I am serving as Technical Chair for this geoexchange conference, and I invite you to check out details on the website: www.geoexchangebc.ca. BCGWA and GeoexchangeBC are collaborating to support each other’s conferences and, speaking as a Director with GeoexchangeBC, we appreciate this support very much. This is a good example of expanding linkages with other groups that have common interests with the BCGWA.

All BCGWA members are invited to consider taking out a booth in the Geoexchange conference trade show, or to present a talk at the conference. Details on taking out a booth or submitting a talk abstract are available on the Geoexchange BC website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at sschillereff@eba.ca or tel 250-862-4832.

Happy Holidays

Scott Schillereff
Vice President

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In this newsletter, we provide an update on a number of items related to the Ground Water Protection Regulation (GWPR):

• Driller and pump installer registration,
• EWELLs, electronic submission of well records, and
• Ministry groundwater staff contacts.

Registration

Well, grand-parenting is over! As of November 11, 2006, 273 well pump installers and 226 well drillers have been registered in BC. Approximately 80% of well pump installers and well drillers registered under the grand-parenting provision (see graphs below).

An updated list of registered well pump installers and well drillers are available on the Ministry of Environments website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/wells.html#reg. The following pie charts illustrate the distribution of well pump installers and well drillers by Ministry of Environment regions.

With the repeal of the grand-parenting provision on October 31, 2006, anyone who wants to be registered as a qualified well driller or qualified well pump installer will need to have certification recognized by the Ground Water Protection Regulation.

Well pump installers and well drillers applying for registration must obtain a certificate in qualifications from the Canadian Ground Water Association (http://www.cgwa.org) or from the Province of BC (visit the Industry Training Authority website at http://www.itabc.ca/).

Registration forms for well pump installers and well drillers are available on the Ministry of Environment’s website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/wells.html#reg

EWELLs
EWELLs is an application that allows well construction, alteration, and well closure reports to be entered via the web and submitted to WELLs, the province’s ground water database (http://aardvark.gov.bc.ca/apps/wells).  After the well record data has been submitted, the user can receive, print and save a PDF version of the entered well report for their records.

EWELLs will hopefully be available to the water well industry in the next few months. If you are interested in learning how to enter your well records using EWELLs, please contact Tammy Blair, (250) 387-0014 or Tammy.Blair@gov.bc.ca.

Groundwater Regional Contact Information
Lower Mainland Region (office in Surrey)
Regional Groundwater Hydrologist – vacant
Mike Simpson, Groundwater Protection Officer (604) 582-5205

Vancouver Island Region (office in Nanaimo)
Pat Lapcevic, P.Eng., Groundwater Hydrologist, (250) 751-3149
Sylvia Kenny, Groundwater Protection Officer (250) 751-3265
Roberta Paterson, Water Resource Technician 250 751-7119
Kootenay & Okanagan Regions (offices in Nelson and Penticton)
Des Anderson, P.Eng., Groundwater Hydrologist, (250) 490-8221
Trina Stewart, Groundwater Protection Officer, (250) 490-8276
Jonathon Hopper, (250) 490-8200

Thompson & Cariboo Regions (offices in Kamloops and Williams Lake)
Kevin Bennett, P.Eng., Groundwater Hydrologist, (250) 371-6319
Laurie Lyons, Groundwater Protection Officer, (250) 371-6280
Omineca – Peace Region (office in Prince George)
Dave Tamblyn, P.Eng.,Groundwater Hydrologist -(250) 565-4458
James Jacklin, Impact Assessment Biologist -(250) 565-4403

Skeena Regions (office in Smithers)
AJ Downie, Water Quality Technician, (250) 847-7277

Victoria – Headquarters
Mike Wei, P.Eng., Deputy Comptroller, Groundwater Hydrologist, (250) 356-5062
Tammy Blair, Groundwater Data Technician, (250) 387-0014
Lindsay Macfarlane, Groundwater Data Technician, (250) 953-3408

For well construction/closure forms or well identification plates contact Tammy Blair (250) 387-0014 or Lindsay Macfarlane (250) 953-3408.

From all of us at the Ministry of Environment, we wish you all a Happy Holiday and best wishes in 2007!

*****

New CGWA Board of Directors

Meet your new Board of Directors that were elected to office at the CanWell 2006 convention in Prince Edward Island in March.

President – Jim Fyfe
First Vice President - Francis Gale
Second Vice President – John Friesen
Director/Past President – Bill Kyte
Technical Director – Ken Hugo
M&S Director – Kelly Nurcombe
Director - Jamie McDonald
Director – Derek McIntyre
Director – John Moore
Director – Mike Friesen
Director - Darcy Schmidt
Director – Gilles Doyon

I would like to say a sincere thank you to Watson MacDonald from PEI, who has left the Board and has been replaced by John Moore. Watson spent 14 years on the Board and was President in 2002-2004.

I would also like to thank retiring Directors, Alan Robison and Shawn Davidson. They have been replaced by Ken Hugo and Kelly Nurcombe of Alberta. Welcome to the Board Gentlemen! It is customary for the M&S and Technical Directors to come from the host province for CanWell and Alberta is hosting CanWell in 2008.

Wayne MacRae
Executive Director, CGWA

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Where does Frosty the Snowman keep his money? Answer: In a snow bank.

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Upcoming Events

March 6-9, 2007
GeoExchange BC Conference & Trade Show
Contact: Scott Schillereff
Ph: 250-862-4832
e.mail: sschillereff@eba.ca

March 23-24, 2007
Saskatchewan Ground Water Association
Annual General Meeting and “Mud School”
Ph: 306-244-7551

March 28-31, 2007
B. C. Ground Water Association Convention
& Trade Show
Coast Hotel & Convention Centre
Langley, B. C.
Ph/Fax: 604-530-8934

April 12-14, 2007
Alberta Water Well Association Convention
& Trade Show
Celebrating their 50th year as an Association
Contact: Carol Larson, Ph: 780-386-2335

June 1-2, 2007
The Ontario Ground Water Association’s 55th Annual Convention
Ambassador Conference Resort, Kingston, Ontario
Contact: Nicole Constable
Ph: 519-245-7194 Fax: 519-245-7196

May 14-17, 2008
CanWell 2008
Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: 780-386-2335

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Membership Changes

New e.mail address for Alberta Water Well Drilling Association: awwda@xplornet.com

Pump Supplier & Installer:

Big Country Pumps, Plumbing & Heating will now be known as Big Country Pumps Inc. Their address, phone number and fax number will remain the same.
Rep: Bruce Grey

Boomer Enterprises
S70 C16 RR2
Rock Creek, B. C. V0H 1Y0
Ph: 250-446-2520
Fax: 250-446-2520
Rep: David March

Faasse’s Video Pipe Scan Ltd.
Plaza 33, RPO Box 23037
Kelowna, B. C. V1X 7K7
Ph: 250-762-2519
Fax: 250-762-2519
Rep: Lori Faasse

Mayfair Gas & Plumbing
1791 S. Nicholson Street
Prince George, B. C. V2N 1V7
Ph: 250-562-8590
Fax: 250-614-1419
Rep: Don McMullen

Ted’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
#205-20290 Industrial Avenue
Langley, B. C. V3A 4K7
Ph: 604-532-0087
Fax: 604-514-1141
Rep: George Lewis

Geothermal Drillers:

Red-Kee Services Inc.
619 Kelly Road
Victoria, B. C. V9B 2A6
Ph: 250-478-6231
Fax: 250-478-6201
Rep: Darren McCormack

Professional & Technical:

EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd.
Kelowna Office
#150-1715 Dickson Avenue
Kelowna, B. C. V1Y 9G6
Ph: 250-862-4832
Fax: 250-862-2941

Hemmera Envirochem Inc.
Suite 250, 1380 Burrard St.
Vancouver, B. C. V6Z 2H3
Ph: 604-669-0424
Fax: 604-669-0430
e.mail: rnorth@hemmera.com
Rep: Reg North

Lowen Hydrogeology Consulting
4030 Zinnia Road
Victoria, B. C. V8Z 4W3
Cell phone: 250-213-3007
Fax: 250-595-0634
e.mail: dalowen@shaw.ca
Rep: Dennis Lowen

Associate Members:

Jim Desjarlais
Ted’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
23008 Fraser Hwy.
Langley, B. C. V2Z 2V1
Ph: 604-532-0087
Fax: 604-514-1141

Stephen Munzar
Hemmera Envirochem Inc.
Suite 250, 1380 Burrard St.
Vancouver, B. C. V6Z 2H3
Ph: 604-669-0424
Fax: 604-669-0430

Bob Paisley
Ted’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
23008 Fraser Hwy.
Langley, B. C. V2Z 2V1
Ph: 604-532-0087
Fax: 604-514-1141

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Advertising

If you have an ad you would like to place, we offer this service to our members at no charge. Fax or e.mail your ad to us and we will make sure it is included in the next issue of the Newsletter.

Also, please check your super page ads for the accuracy of your ad. There are still some ads that are saying BC Water Well Association which in fact we are now the BC Ground Water Association. If you are not a member you must not advertise as one. The logo in the ads is for paid up members only. If you leave the Association, you must remove the logo and reference from your advertising.

Advertising Prices

¼ page ad $ 25.00
½ page ad $ 45.00
full page ad $ 90.00

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For Sale

6 inch casing cutter, can also be fitted for cutting 8 inch casing as well. Used only once. Call 604-534-1347 or cell 604-833-5887.

1997-Dodge 1500 Pick-up truck, V8 $6,500 OBO Ph: 604-534-1347 cell: 604-833-5887

Need help with Drilling in B.C.?

I have 37 years experience with well drilling in B. C. If you have unlicensed drillers, I will help your company so you can remain working.

Walt Perry
Ph: 604-534-1347

*****

In Sympathy

Carlus Walsh of 100 Mile House passed away November 13, 2006. Husband of Jackie for 49 years, 11 months. He is survived by his sons Russell (Cathy), Neil (Jodi) and his daughter Tammy (Bernie) and 7 seven grandchildren. Carlus was born and raised in Ontario and came from a family of 16 with 3 sisters and 5 brothers remaining and many nieces and nephews. He was full of life and loved to tell jokes and swap stories with his family and many friends. He spent many years as a well driller and could fix anything. A celebration of his life was held at Russell’s home on December 3.

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Disinfection with Chlorine

We have just received the latest edition of the, “Water Wells-that last for generations’. There have been some important changes made to the manual particularly in regards to shock chlorinating water wells. I think it is important that offices know about these changes in case they still have old versions of the manual.

It is now recommended that a concentration of 200 ppm be used to shock chlorinate a water well (the last edition indicated 1000 ppm). The purpose for this change is outlined below;

‘There is a point where excessive chlorine concentrations can cause more damage that benefit. Liguid chlorine or granular chlorine is extremely alkaline, resulting in an increase in pH when mixed with water. As the pH of the water/chlorine solution rises, the effectiveness of chlorine to kill bacteria (i.e. Biocidal effectiveness) is dramatically reduced, as shown in Table 1 below, and the chlorine becomes oxidative in nature. At a chlorine dosage of 1,000 ppm, the pH of a water/chlorine solution may be over 10, which may be beneficial in removing some plugging materials, however the biocidal effectiveness becomes less than 1%. Also in a high oxidate state, chlorine can create severe corrosion on metals and produce chlorine gas.

Table 1. Effect of pH on Chlorine Effectiveness in Water

Water pH Biocidal Oxidative
Effectiveness Effectiveness

5.5 100% 0%
8.0 12% 88%
9.0 2% 98%
10.0 <1% >99%

‘Disinfection with chlorine can be an effective treatment method for controlling bacteria in water wells that have been regularly and properly maintained. Recent research is showing that lower dosages of chlorine in the 50 to 200 ppm range are effective for these wells. Higher dosages of chlorine, up to 500 ppm, are sometimes recommended for wells that are severely plugged with iron and sulfate-reducing bacteria; however the pH of the treatment solution must be lowered to a pH of 6 to 7 for effective bacterial control. These severely plugged wells require both pH adjustment and mechanical agitation of the water and treatment chemicals to effectively restore the well production and water quality. An experienced water well contractor; who has the knowledge and equipment to safely and effectively do this, should be hired.’

The new manuals show 2006 as the most recent edition.

Twyla Legault
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
600, 138-4th Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 4Z6
Ph: 403-292-4038
e.mail: legaultt@agr.gc.ca

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Drill Rig for Sale

Our DR 130 – DeepRock drill rig is for sale. Drill was built in 2003 and truck is a 2003 Ford F550. See attached picture with specifications. If you happen to know of anyone interested, please share our information. Accepting serious enquiries only. The drill comes with all tooling for air/mud rotary, complete turnkey geothermal operation. For all details please contact us by office phone at 604-604-0800 or e.mail: dynamicgeothermal@shaw.ca
Gordon and Katherine Nimmo
Dynamic Geothermal Systems Ltd.
Cell: 778-808-2099

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I Think Santa Claus is a Woman

I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth, but I believe he’s a she. Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized warm fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possible pull it all off!

For starters, the vast majority of men don’t even think about selective gifts until Christmas Eve. It’s as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they—with amazing calm—call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.

Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me it’s an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour decision-making burden.) On this count alone, I’m convinced Santa is a woman. Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag.

Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen’s rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist.

Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer, he’d still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions. Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repoint bricks in the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas
tree that is crooked to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle.

Other reasons why Santa can’t possibly be a man:
- Men can’t pack a bag.
-Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.
-Men would feel their masculinity is threatened having to be seen with all those elves.
- Men don’t answer their mail.
- Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as anything remotely resembling a “bowlful of jelly.”
- Men aren’t interested in stockings unless somebody’s wearing them.
- Having to do the Ho Ho Ho thing would seriously inhibit their ability to pick up women.
- Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment.

I can buy the fact that other mythical holiday characters are men…
- Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous. Definite guy.
- Cupid flies around carrying weapons.
- Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers.

Any of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test. But not St. Nick. Not a chance. As long as we have each other, good will, peace on earth, faith and Nat King Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song,” it probably makes little difference what gender Santa is.

I just wish she’d quit dressing like a guy!!!

The B. C. Ground Water Association would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a healthy and prosperous 2007.