The Veins of Life Watershed Society works with the munipalities to identify acute problem areas, and to encourage sewer upgrades. Water quality tests performed by the Capital Regional District indicate that the Gorge water is safe for swimming throughout much of the year. The objective of the dye test teams is to reduce the incidence of spills, biological and industrial contamination in the Gorge waterway and Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours. The teams meet this objective by visiting homes and placing a biodegrable dye in toilets, laundry facilities, and perimeter drains. The teams are then able to track the flow of water through the sanitary or storm sewer, and observe if the residence is properly connected to the sanitary and stormdrain infrastucture.
Municipal staff can then confirm the test results, and correct any improper connections.