Water

The quantity and quality of our water supply is essential to public health and sustainable communities.

Our climate is changing while our population and our economy continue to grow, increasing the demands and pressures on our water resources. 

Everyone plays a role in water conservation. To learn more about the B.C. government's approach, and what you can do, visit:

• Drought preparation and response 

On this page

• Drought, flooding, dikes and dams
• Groundwater and wells
• Laws and rules
• Science and data
• Water conservation
• Water for agriculture
• Water planning and strategies
• Water quality
• Water quantity
• Working around water

Drought, flooding, dikes and dams

Too much or too little water can pose risks to people, property, infrastructure, cultural values and the environment. The government of B.C. is committed to reducing the risks of flooding and drought.

• Drought, flooding, dikes and dams

Groundwater and wells

Groundwater in B.C. is a vital resource. It provides drinking water to one quarter of B.C. residents and is key to our long-term food and water security. 

• Learn more about groundwater, aquifers and wells

Laws and rules

Protecting our water supply means regulating its use so that water is available to sustain environmental, economic and human needs. 

A water right is the authorized use of surface water or groundwater under a water licence or approval. There are authorized uses of water outside of licensing, for example the use of unrecorded water, or the use of groundwater for domestic purposes. The Act and regulations provide rules, guidance and standards for gaining the right to use water, and for using water safely, responsibly and sustainably.

• Learn more about water licensing and rights
• Apply for a water licence
• Laws and rules governing water use, including new regulations under the WSA

Science and data

Discover some of the information, data, applications and geographic services that help to guide our management of water in B.C.

• Learn more about science and data
• Data BC

Water conservation

Water conservation is critical in summer months but year-round water conservation has significant benefits as well. Reducing water consumption decreases the amount of water that requires treatment, as well as sewage and infrastructure costs.

• Learn about B.C.'s water conservation strategy and be part of the plan

Water for agriculture

The importance of producing local, healthy food for our growing population is increasing. However, the agriculture industry will need to balance this demand with the need to become more water efficient. Find out how the government is helping farms and ranches with this process:

• Learn more about water for agriculture

Water planning and strategies

With the growing demand for water comes the increasing need to create plans for water use. Planning our use of water ahead of time helps us to manage water supply and prepare for potential future problems.

• Learn more about water planning and strategies

Water quality

Water is one of B.C.’s most important natural resources and must be managed appropriately to protect both human and ecosystem health.

• Learn more about water quality​

Water quantity

Water plays an important role in agriculture, power generation and in replenishing municipal water reserves. Snow and precipitation runoff from the mountains affects river levels, groundwater supply in aquifers and water availability. Surface water and groundwater quantity are monitored throughout the province to help plan for future water use and to guard against flood or drought conditions.

• Water Survey of Canada hydrometric data
• Groundwater Observation Well Network
• Provincial Hydrology Program

Working around water

Modifications to the nature of a stream, including any modification to the flow of water or area adjacent to the stream, can create risk to personal or public safety and to the environment.

• Learn more about working around water