Creek Alerts

The city stormwater system collects runoff from hard surfaces such as roads and roofs and moves stormwater away from homes and businesses, helping to prevent flooding. The City’s first stormwater pipes were constructed over 120 years ago and were considered a best practice at the time. As the City developed and paved more areas, the natural water cycle was interrupted and stormwater quality and quantity issues emerged.

The creek suffers the impacts of human activity from pollution that enters through the storm drains from vehicle oil and fluid leaks, rubber tire-wear toxins such as 6PPD-quinone, artificial sports field turf pellets and fibres, pesticide, herbicide and construction site runoff. Citizens are often the first to observe these issues and can help by calling the local authorities.  

Reporting

It may be difficult to determine the source of pollution. If you see a water quality problem, please notify us with as precise a location and time as you can. Citizen reporting can help municipal authorities make a quick response to issues when they arise. Photos with a record of the date and time are always helpful.

Consider volunteering with the Streamkeepers program to participate in citizen science and learn about water quality monitoring and reporting.

If you see evidence of a spill or pollution entering Bowker Creek, please report it to Emergency Management BC at 1.800.663.3456, or call the appropriate municipal contact listed below:

– Oak Bay: 250.598.4501 (after hours 250.592.9121)
– Saanich: 250.475.5599 (after hours 250.475.6190)
– Victoria: 250.361.0400 (after hours 250.361.0400)

Please see CRD Report a Spill website for more information.

Turbidity

Turbidity (cloudy water), may enter the creek from construction activities in the urban watershed. When rain falls on hard surfaces like roads and buildings, it can pick up disturbed clay soil and dirt that end up in waterways and the ocean. Turbidity lowers the oxygen levels of the water and can choke life from in-stream habitat.

Litter

Litter and Garbage degrades the water quality and shoreline habitat of the creek.  Caution must be used when collecting litter, as there might be dangerous medical waste such as ‘sharps.’  Use a pick-up tool and thick rubber gloves to pick up litter into a garbage bag for safe disposal.

Toxic Chemicals

Fuel oil spills from properties and on roadways entering the creek through the storm and sewer systems will ruin the creek shoreline and seashore wildlife, bird, insect and fish habitats. 

Flooding

The water level of the creek can rise quickly and overflow the banks during a rainstorm, causing flooding of nearby homes. Neighbours who live by the creek are often the first to report flooding. Photo and video documentation of flooding events with date time and location may be sent to: floodwatch@bowkercreek.org