{"id":5137,"date":"2025-09-22T12:51:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T19:51:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/?p=5137"},"modified":"2026-02-24T10:23:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T18:23:28","slug":"engagement-opportunity-low-volume-water-use-without-an-authorization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-low-volume-water-use-without-an-authorization\/","title":{"rendered":"Engagement opportunity: Low volume water use without an authorization"},"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><\/h2>\n

The Province is exploring whether, when, or where to allow non-domestic groundwater uses under 2 cubic metres per day (2 m<\/span>3<\/span>\/day) without requiring an authorization (water licence or use approval).<\/span> This could cover many small groundwater users, like home-based businesses, small commercial operations, camps, public facilities, and small livestock operations.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2 m<\/span>3<\/span>\/day is about the same as:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n