Approved Water Quality Guidelines

Approved water quality guidelines are policy statements and apply all over B.C.

Water quality guidelines are used to:

  • protect water values, including: aquatic life, wildlife, drinking water sources, agriculture (livestock watering and irrigation); and recreation
  • inform water quality assessments
  • support resource management decisions
  • provide the basis for water quality objectives
  • report on the state of water quality
  • promote water stewardship

Guideline tools

Search for B.C. water quality guidelines by value/designated use and parameter.

View and download all B.C. approved and working water quality guidelines as a .csv file from the B.C. Data Catalogue.

View the most recent updates to B.C. water quality guidelines.

Guideline summary reports

Guideline technical reports

 
Fresh Water Aquatic Life:
 
Look-up a copper guideline without using the BC BLM Software

Calculate a copper guideline using the BC Biotic Ligand Model Software

Water quality guideline documents

Guideline supplemental information