The Comox Valley is not at risk of "running out" of water. However, the low period of recharge (i.e. the summer) is also the season of high water use. For this reason seasonally running out of water, with wells running dry in the summer, can occur. Depletion of groundwater levels (lowering of the water table), whether local or wide spread, can occur:

1. seasonally if there are seasons of low rainfall;
2. when more water is withdrawn than can be replemished;
3. when the recharge areas are disturbed or paved over;
4. during extended periods of dry weather (e.g. several years of drought);
5. when large users over-extract; and
6. from unrestricted flowing wells.

A decline in a wells' yeild may also be from chemical or biological encrustation in the well or due to a worn or inefficient pump.

In the Comox Valley each person uses on average 600L / day for residential use (source: RDCS). By comparison Europeans use 120 - 170L / day and the World Health Organization suggests that globally each person should be assured 50L / day.

If you live with both a well and a septic system you can avoid overloading the septic system and extend its life by conserving water.