Securing our water future: A community conversation on island resilience

September 17, 2025 1:30 am
Contributed photo A simple rain barrel system captures and stores water for gardens and households — one of the practical strategies featured in this month’s Islands Resilience panel.
Contributed photo A simple rain barrel system captures and stores water for gardens and households — one of the practical strategies featured in this month’s Islands Resilience panel.

Submitted by the San Juan Island Grange.

As summers grow hotter and drier, and winter rains arrive less predictably, San Juan islanders are confronting urgent questions: Will our wells continue to supply enough freshwater? How can rain catchment systems protect our homes, gardens and orchards? Could desalination play a larger role in meeting community needs?

On Thursday, Sept. 18, at 5:30 p.m., at the Grange, the Islands Resilience: 3rd Thursday Series will host a free public panel at the San Juan Island Grange Hall to address these challenges head-on. Local experts will share science, practical solutions and forward-looking strategies, followed by community discussion.

Speakers include:

• Tyler Davis, San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship — freshwater ecology, risks like saltwater intrusion, changing precipitation and future research projects.

• Sherri Phelps, San Juan Water Management LLC — practical lessons from a wealth of experience with residential water systems, including desalination plants and wells.

• Marc Lampe, Island Natives Inc. — design and upkeep of rain catchment and water storage for island households.

Why it matters now:

Local aquifers face growing pressure, and saltwater intrusion is a documented risk. Longer dry seasons are already stressing gardens, farms and homes. This panel brings science and practical knowledge together, giving islanders tools to plan ahead.

Attendees will learn:

• How aquifers work and warning signs of intrusion.

• Best practices for wells and treatment systems.

• Where desalination fits in our water mix.

• How to size and maintain rain catchment systems.

• What to expect season by season as conditions change.

Event details:

When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m.

Where: San Juan Island Grange Hall, Friday Harbor.

Cost: Free; open to all; light snacks will be provided; no RSVP required.

Contact: Kevin Connolly, ktconnolly@hotmail.com.

About the series: The Islands Resilience: 3rd Thursday Series is a monthly public program hosted at the Grange, featuring local experts and practical how‑to learning aimed at strengthening community resilience.