Whereas local governments may require water conservation and grey water use in relation to a drainage system under section 82 and 3a of the Community Charter, and as a condition in a phased development agreement under section 5163 of the Local Government Act, but not in relation to plumbing requirements for new buildings or the retrofitting of old buildings: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province enact legislation to empower local governments to require water conservation and grey water use in relation to plumbing and drainage requirements for new buildings or the retrofitting of old buildings.
Ministry of Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Changes are continually being made to the BC Building Code to enhance water efficiency requirements for plumbing fixtures, appliances and equipment in new construction and substantial renovations. The Province appreciates the growing interest in using available non-potable water supplies in the place of potable ones for selected purposes such as flushing toilets and irrigating lawns and gardens. The BC Building Code has been amended to support reuse of water internally. Reclaimed wastewater is not the same quality as potable water and may contain substances and micro-organisms that pose a risk to public health and the environment. To ensure the health and safety of building occupants and prevent cross-contamination of the potable water supply, a grey water system cannot be connected to a potable water system. In support of CleanBC, the Province is engaging in consultation in summer and fall 2021 with Indigenous communities, local governments, and industry representatives on the development of an Existing Buildings Renewal Strategy. This strategy will consider several topics related to existing buildings, including climate resilience issues such as water conservation related to climate change. The Province welcomes the input of communities with concerns related to water use in buildings as part of this consultation. More information on the Existing Buildings Resilience Strategy is available by contacting the Building and Safety Standards Branch with the Ministry of Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing at building.safetygov.bc.ca.