Groundwater Licensing Brochure

Extracted text (beginning)

Licensing  
Groundwater  
in BC 
Do you use groundwater?
Secure your water rights by 
applying today!
GET MORE INFORMATION
 
Groundwater.gov.bc.ca

Do you use water from a well or dugout (referred 
to as groundwater) for uses other than your own 
home (i.e., non-domestic purposes)? 
All irrigators, industries, waterworks and others who 
divert and use groundwater from a well or dugout for 
non-domestic purposes are required to apply for a water 
licence. This requirement was brought in by the Water 
Sustainability Act (WSA) on February 29, 2016.
What if I use water from my well in my home? 
Domestic groundwater use is exempt from licensing. This 
includes water for household use by the occupants of a 
private dwelling, fire prevention, private lawn and garden 
watering (up to 1,000 m
2
) and domestic animals. Domestic 
well owners are encouraged to register their well for free to 
make their water use known so it can be protected.
For more information visit Domestic Use of Groundwater  
at groundwater.gov.bc.ca
Existing users must apply by March 1, 2022.  
(Existing users used groundwater on or before Feb 29, 2016) 
After this date, users who have not applied will be 
committing an offence under the WSA if they continue to 
use the water without having applied and can be subject 
to fines and penalties, and ordered to cease using the 
water.
After March 1, 2022, you will need to apply as a new 
applicant, your priority date will be the date of the 
application and your application could be refused if there 
is not enough water. 
 
Apply today to secure your water rights. 
Groundwater licensing ensures there is a fair and transparent 
mechanism in place for determining who uses the water, 
including during shortages. A water licence is tied to your land 
and provides benefits to your business, including:
 ŸA right to a specific volume of water, when available
 ŸProtection from new users and future developments
 ŸA fair system for managing use in times of water scarcity
 ŸEnhancement of your property’s value

How do I secure my groundwater rights?  
Existing users can apply until March 1, 2022. If you apply by 
the deadline, government will consider when you first used 
the water to establish your first-in-time, first-in-right (FITFIR) 
priority date. This gives your water use precedence over newer 
users when they apply, and during times of scarcity.
New users (use began on or after March 1, 2016) must apply 
for and obtain a licence before the water can lawfully be 
diverted, used or stored.
How much does a licence cost?  
The one-time application fee (minimum $250) is waived for 
existing users (use began on or before February 29, 2016) who 
apply by March 1, 2022. Annual rentals are based on water 
use purpose and volume. While existing or new users are 
required to apply for a water licence, water fees and rentals are 
generally not payable for First Nations water use on Reserve or 
Treaty lands.
Before You Apply: 
Applications are submitted o

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