Water Sustainability Act
Water in British Columbia is owned by the Crown on behalf of the residents of the province. The Water Sustainability Act and its regulations provide rules, guidance and standards for obtaining a right to use water, and for using water safely, responsibly and sustainably. If you use surface water or groundwater, in most cases you must apply to the province for the right to use the water and pay an annual rental fee for that use. If you use groundwater for a domestic household purpose there is no requirement to obtain a licence or approval.
What you should know before starting your application
Applications for Water authorizations are made through FrontCounter BC’s online application system. The online system requires some information; such as, your name and contact information, the name of the water source(s), the water use purpose(s) and the duration of water use, etc. However, additional information and documents are also required; the list below outlines items that typically require research prior to submitting your application.
The application form itself changes depending on how you answer the questions, therefore each application will be unique. Due to this interactive approach, there is no way to print out a full application form to fill out. Use this list to help you gather the most commonly requested information. It is recommended that you speak with FrontCounter BC before coming in to an office to get help with your application. The staff will ensure that you assemble all of the necessary information to bring with you to an appointment so that you will have the best chance of success in submitting a complete application.
NOTE: Anyone who has legal right to the land for which you are requesting a water licence must consent to the information that you submit - this cannot happen in advance. The consent form is generated in the system so that the co-applicants will be able to see the content of the application. If you have co-applicants and have made an appointment with FrontCounter BC for help with your application, you will not be able to submit the application until each co-applicant has provided consent. In this situation, you may need two appointments - or you may be able to finalize the application by telephone after co-applicant consent is received by FrontCounter BC.
When you are ready to apply
For advice or to arrange an appointment with a staff member to assist with completing your application via telephone or in person dial TollFree 1-877-855-3222
You can also apply online
Information requested in the Online System
/The purpose(s) for which the water is used and the quantity of water that is being diverted or stored for each water use purpose. To find descriptions of water use purposes, refer to Appendix 1.
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The name of the owner(s) of any land not owned by the applicant.
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Legal land description and land tenure for all lands on which you are using the water, the lands where your well(s) and other works are located, and any land that is physically affected by the works (legal description, PID, or description if the land is unsurveyed).
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Location (latitude and longitude in Decimal Degree format) of the well(s) or other points of diversion and, if applicable, the storage reservoir.
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Details of the well(s) and other works (e.g. pumps, pipelines, irrigation system, reservoir) including well depth and well identification plate number or well tag number, if available.
Documents to provide
/A letter of agency authorizing someone else to apply on your behalf, when applicable.
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The applicant's title to or interest in the land where the water will be used. For example, a Certificate of Title or copy of a privately held land lease.
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A copy of any permit, tenure or other authorization to use Crown land that is relevant to the locations of the water diversion and use, or proof that an application for the appropriate Crown land authorization has been made. If you require a Crown Land authorization, but do not already have one, you will be prompted to apply for a permit or tenure as part of the water licence application process.
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Evidence of the date that groundwater was first used. Evidence could include a well log or construction report, a receipt for pump installation or similar documentation.
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A map or drawing that meets the requirements outlined in the Application Drawing Standards in Appendix 2
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If you share or are connected to another person's works, it is recommended that a Joint Works Agreement—outlining each party's role and responsibilities—be completed. See Appendix 3 for a sample.
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It is recommended that you provide a topographical map showing the general location of the property where the water is proposed to be used and the works constructed. This map should show the property’s location relative to nearby communities, highways, railways and other water sources.
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If you have a Registered Survey Plan for any parcel of land where the water is intended to be used, we recommend that you provide a copy of it in your application.