The province is advising local governments that the deadline for residents to apply for an existing use groundwater licence is March 1, 2022. As of 2016, all non-household groundwater use in B.C. requires a licence. The deadline applies to those who started using groundwater on or before February 29, 2016 for non-household purposes, such as irrigation, waterworks systems, commercial or industrial use.
“Existing groundwater users” (those who started using groundwater on or before Feb. 29, 2016) must apply for a water licence by March 1, 2022 to comply with the Water Sustainability Act. Existing groundwater users who miss the deadline will not be authorized and must stop using groundwater. Those existing groundwater users who miss the deadline will need to apply as “new users,” and may see their water licences refused in water-stressed areas, while also losing recognition of the historical date of first use.
The Province has developed a document, Licensing Groundwater in BC: Questions and Answers that provides additional information for those who are unsure as to whether they should apply. Groundwater users can apply online and visit the province’s blog to learn more. For assistance, residents may contact FrontCounter BC by calling 1-877-855-3222.