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The provincial government has passed a new water legislation, which means the introduction of a new fee for groundwater use.
The provincial government is taking steps to ensure British Columbia's water resources will be safely and effectively managed for generations, read a government press release. In support of B.C.'s water legislation a new fee and rental schedule for users is being introduced.
“British Columbia is blessed with an abundant water supply that our government is committed to preserving for future generations. The new fee structure will ensure fairness and affordability are cornerstones of our modernized water legislation,” said Mary Polak, Minister of Environment.
The fee and rental rates will only recover the costs of implementing the new Water Sustainability Act, including groundwater regulations. Different from surface water, groundwater use has not required permission or payment of fees and rentals. Now, regulations and fees for groundwater use will correct this imbalance and further government's ability to sustainably manage water for future generations.
Users of groundwater will require a licensce and will be required to pay water fees and rentals. The exception is that individual household wells throughout the province will not be licensed or charged. However, households supplied by municipal water systems may pay $1 to $2 more annually for their water.
Photo credit: B.C. Government Flickr account.
Water users will be affected differently across the board. For example, the water required to irrigate 40 acres of hay in Kamloops will increase annually from about $90 to $128. Whereas households supplied by an individual domestic water licence will see their annual water rental increase from $25 to $50. Water bottling will be charged at the industrial rate of $2.25 per 1000m3—the highest rate in the new schedule.
In addition, users of groundwater will also have the same access rights and responsibilities as individuals who obtain their water from surface sources. This includes assurance their rights are considered should any conflict over water arise.
The new water legislation allows for groundwater and surface water to be managed as an interconnected resource.
This new faction in the legislation is the first update to the water fee and rental structure since 2006. B.C's new rental rates range from $0.002 to $2.25 per 1000ms and will take effect in 2016 when the new WSA comes into action.
The government points out that B.C.'s water rental rates are among the lowest in the country, compared specifically to Quebec at $70 per 1000m3 and $140 in Nova Scotia.
According to the provincial government, the new fees and rentals attempt to strike a balance and are designed to improve fairness and equity by charging for most groundwater uses, as well as assign the same rates for similar water uses.
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