The Province of British Columbia (the Province) has decided to extend the application deadline for existing groundwater users, those who were using groundwater prior to February 29, 2016, for an additional three years. Users now have until March 1, 2022 to submit their applications through FrontCounter BC.
When the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) came into force, an estimated 20,000 users who were using groundwater up to and on February 29, 2016 were anticipated to apply for a water licence. However, the application intake has been lower than expected and for many groundwater users, recognizing the value of a licence to secure their water rights represents a significant change. (Government of British Columbia, 2019)
All agricultural, industrial, commercial and institutional groundwater users are required to obtain a licence from the Province to ensure a sustainable supply of water. To encourage existing users to submit their applications the Province has extended, both, the transition and application fee waiver period.
Existing users are encouraged to apply for a groundwater licence as soon as possible, as water rental fees will be charged retroactively to February 29, 2016. These fees must be paid to the Province in order for your licence application to be processed. The longer you wait to apply the more these rental fees will accumulate.
While this groundwater management system introduced in the Water Sustainability Act is new to existing users there are many benefits to licensing your water well.
If you would like to discuss the advantages of a groundwater licence, or have a professional hydrogeologist prepare and submit an application on your behalf, please contact:
Steph Righi, Waterline’s Water Sustainability Coordinator at:
Phone: 1-844-585-0802 Ext. 112 or wsa@waterlineresources.com
Email: wsa@waterlineresources.com