Apply to amend water licence

Prior to starting your application, carefully review the application requirements including, but not limited to, supporting documents. Requirements vary by water licence amendment type and are described below.

The following information is required to complete an application for all amendment types:

• The name and contact information of the applicant and the applicant's agent, if applicable. If there are co-applicants for the amendment, a BCeID is required in order to complete and submit the application
• Your water licence number. Your water licence number can be found in the following ways:
  • In the reference column of your statement
  • On the bottom right of the water licence document
  • Looking it up using the Water Licence Search tool. You can search by client name or the name of the stream (source name) as well as other options
• Description of the changes you would like to make and the reasons for the changes

• Describe the water use purpose and the water quantity that you would like to abandon
• The reason why you would like to abandon your rights to that water quantity
• If the mortgage was filed with the comptroller of water rights or regional water manager, then you will need to upload a digital copy of the letter of release
• If there is a pending sales agreement for the land, upload a digital copy of the pending sales agreement
• Purpose of authorized works and their current status (not constructed / partly constructed / fully constructed)
• Written approval of all parties who are on title for the appurtenant land, mine or undertaking. An approval form with the appropriate details will be generated for you by the online application system. Approval can be in writing by signing the form or electronically by e-mail

• The proposed new water use purpose(s) and the quantity for each purpose. See Water Use Purposes (PDF, 220KB) for more information
• The water use purpose(s) to be deleted from the licence, if any, and the associated quantities

A description of the authorized works, including any works that will be decommissioned, and their current status (not constructed / partly constructed / fully constructed)

A description of any new works you would like to add to the licence and their current status (not constructed / partly constructed / fully constructed)

• If new works are connected with another person's works, it is recommended that a joint works agreement (PDF, 375KB) outlining each party's role and responsibilities be completed and included with the application
• If the proposed works will be located on or affect land other than the land described in the water licence, provide a legal description of the land and, if the land is not owned by the applicant, the name of the landowner
• Written approval from all landowners who are on the title of the appurtenant land, mine or undertaking (co-applicants). An approval form with the appropriate details will be generated for you by the online application system. Approval can be given in writing by signing the form or electronically by e-mail
• If new works affect another person's land it is advisable that you obtain the landowner's written consent. A landowner consent form with the appropriate details will be generated for you by the online application system. Landowner consent can be obtained given in writing by signing the form or electronically by e-mail

• If the proposed works will occupy Crown land, a copy of any permit, tenure or other authorization to use Crown land, or proof that an application for the appropriate Crown land authorization must be made
• A map or drawing that clearly shows all of the features listed below. The drawing must meet these Water Licence Application Drawing Standards (PDF, 1525KB)

An application for extension of time may be for the construction of works and, or, to make beneficial use of the water. You will need to provide the following:

• Previously fixed end date for the construction of work or beneficial use of water
• Purpose of authorized works and their current status (not constructed / partly constructed / fully constructed)
• If you have NOT made beneficial use of the water, a description of why you need more time
• Written approval of all landowners who are on title for the appurtenant land, mine or undertaking. An approval form with the appropriate details will be generated for you by the online application system. Approval can be in writing, by signing the form or electronically by e-mail

• The legal description of each parcel of land, and the quantity of water and water use purpose for each parcel
• The names, addresses and phone numbers for each person to whom rights are to be appointed and their title to or interest in the parcel of land
• A map or drawing that clearly shows all of the features listed below. The drawing must meet the minimum Water Licence Application Drawing Standards (PDF, 1525KB). You can also refer to the drawing checklist, sample drawings, and drawing template
• A completed and signed 'Requested Distribution of Rights Form'. This form is optional but submitting one might result in a faster processing. This form will be generated as you complete your online application

• If you want to transfer only part of your licence, provide a description of the water use purpose and water quantity for the transferred portion
• If the transfer involves dividing all or part of the rights under your licence between appurtenancies, provide details about which portions of rights are being transferred to which appurtenancies
• Description of the land, mine or undertaking to which some or all of the rights under the licence are being transferred (legal description, PID, or description if the land is unsurveyed)
• Written approval of all landowners who are on title for the current licence appurtenancy, as well as for the new appurtenancy. An approval form with the appropriate details will be generated for you by the online application system. Approval can be given in writing by signing the form or electronically by e-mail
• Details of the transferees' title or interest in the new appurtenancy
• If any land, mine or undertaking related to the transfer of appurtenancy is mortgaged, the written consent of the mortgagee
• Description about the effect of the transfer of appurtenancy on any works associated with the licence
• A map or drawing that meets the requirements outlined in the Water Licence Application Drawing Standards (PDF, 1525KB)

• New proposed end date of the licence term
• Reason for requesting an extension in the licence term

• To file a notice, you need a digital copy of the mortgage agreement
• To remove a notice, you need a digital copy of the Letter of Release from the mortgage holder

Once you have assembled the required documents for your application, apply online.

After you have submitted an application, you can amend or cancel it:

• If you applied with a BCeID, log in to manage your application including updating or cancelling it
• If you applied without a BCeID, log in to update a submitted application or cancel an application