{"id":5131,"date":"2025-09-22T12:57:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T19:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/?p=5131"},"modified":"2026-02-24T10:24:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T18:24:09","slug":"engagement-opportunity-low-volume-water-use-streamlined-authorization-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-low-volume-water-use-streamlined-authorization-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Engagement opportunity: Low volume water use streamlined authorization process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Natural resource permitting plays a significant role in the government\u2019s strategy to strengthen and diversify our economy. B.C. is working across the natural resource sector to streamline permitting, remove barriers and delays, eliminate duplication, simplify processes and shift permitting while maintaining high environmental standards and our commitment under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.<\/span> As part of this work, teams across the natural resource ministries were tasked with identifying areas that would increase efficiency, remove redundancy, and\/or reduce administrative burden. Opportunities with the highest potential for impact and timely implementation are being considered for recommendation to Government.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u202f<\/span>Water Sustainability Act<\/span><\/a> (WSA) came into force in 2016 and modernized B.C.\u2019s water laws to better manage and protect stream and groundwater supply. In the years since, the Province has continued to work on the WSA\u2019s implementation and effectiveness.\u202fThe WSA introduced new and improved requirements for\u202fgroundwater diversion and use.\u202fGroundwater is\u202f<\/span>deeply important to the water cycle<\/span><\/a> and to people in British Columbia.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Under the WSA, authorization from the Province is required to divert or use water from a stream or aquifer, unless the activity is specifically allowed without it. These authorizations allow for the diversion, storage, and use of water for specific amounts and purposes. They also determine what works can be constructed and operated to move water from the source to where it\u2019s being used.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s being proposed?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

B.C. is exploring the development of a new streamlined review process for low volume water licence applications so that decisions can be made faster. The proposed process would likely only be for applications for small quantities of water on streams and aquifers where the withdrawal is not expected to have an impact on other authorized water users, on land or other property, and where there are no other significant environmental or cultural concerns.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The intent is that only applications on streams or aquifers with enough water supply might be eligible for the streamlined review process. There will likely be specific eligibility criteria developed and public feedback will help shape the final approach.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We want to hear from you<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Your feedback will help shape this proposal:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n