Water Region 2 – Little Qualicum
The Little Qualicum water region (WR2-LQ) extends from the coast to the headwaters of the Cameron River in the southeast of the water region.
- Fifth largest water region with an area of approximately 259 km2.
- The largest watershed is the Little Qualicum River with an estimated drainage area of 251.7 km2.
- Cameron Lake is a major surface water feature.
- Two hydrometric stations, six climate stations, and approximately 42 surface water diversion points exist within the region.
- 387 wells*
Total Water Region Area:
259 km2 – includes includes area that drains directly into the ocean and is not part of a major watershed. Little Qualicum Watershed Drainage Area is the area to the mouth and includes all tributary areas.
Drainage Area of Major Watersheds:
Drainage Areas are based on 1:50,000 BC Watershed Atlas.
- Kinkade Creek (tributary to Little Qualicum River) 39.6 km2
- Whisky Creek (tributary to Little Qualicum River) 26.8 km2
- McBey Creek (tributary to Little Qualicum River) 11.5 km2
- Lockwood Creek (tributary to Little Qualicum River) 14.3 km2
- Cameron Lake/River (tributary to Little Qualicum River) 111.8 km2
- Little Qualicum River (including tributaries) 251.7 km2
Wells and Surface Water Diversion Points:
- Number of Water Wells listed in MOE database: 387
- Surface water diversion licenses: 42
* More about groundwater extraction in the Little Qualicum water region:
According to the MOE Wells Database (BCGOV ENV Water Protection and Sustainability Branch, 2008) WR2-LQ has the third lowest number of water wells (387 wells) of the six water regions in the RDN.
Issues identified in WR2 as part of Watershed Snapshot 2010
The MOE database likely only represents a fraction of the actual wells currently in use. Many well records may not have been entered into the database and some wells may simply not be in use or have been abandoned. As there is no mandatory requirement for submitting well logs or well abandonment records, it is not possible to determine the groundwater demand from private wells with any degree of certainty, nor is it possible to assess the vulnerability that may exist with improperly abandoned or standing water wells.
Download Water Budget for WR2 – Little Qualicum
Go on to WR3 – French Creek