“A Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia” was launched at the 1998 Annual Convention of the Union of BC Municipalities

 

1998 WC Strategy_cover

Strategy Recognized that Water is a Valuable Resource

British Columbia is endowed with an abundance of rivers, streams and lakes. Until recently, our supply of water seemed endless. However, as the province has developed aPrad Khare1_120pnd grown in population, the increasing demand for water has put pressure on our water resources. In recognition of those pressures, in 1997 the Ministry of Environment, brought together a Working Group of representatives from all three levels of government, as well as industry, professional associations and interest groups to develop a Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia. The group was chaired by Prad Khare.

The goal of the Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia is to develop and promote supply and demand-side management measures for application by municipalities, water purveyors, drawers and users throughout the province, recognizing regional differences. Such a strategy will contribute to a sustained and healthy resource and provide a common framework for water management activities throughout the province by advancing water as a valuable resource which must be utilized efficiently, wisely and cost-effectively to sustain a high quality of social, environmental and economic well-being, for now and in the future.

The Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia was released at the annual convention of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) in September, 1998.

Working Group Members
Executive Summary
1.0 A Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Goals and Objectives
1.3 Challenges
2.0 The Basics of Water Conservation
2.1 Water Conservation Defined
2.2 Water Management Principles
2.3 Water Use Efficiency Tools
2.3.1 Regulatory Tools
2.3.2 Economic and Financial Tools
2.3.3 Operations and Maintenance Tools
2.3.4 Communication and Education Tools
2.3.5 Market Development Tools
3.0 Current Initiatives and Activities
3.1 Local Governments
3.2 Provincial Government
3.3 Federal Government
3.4 B.C. Water and Waste Association
4.0 Strategic Directions
4.1 Enable and Regulate
4.2 Plan, Manage and Evaluate
4.3 Value and Motivate
4.4 Communicate and Educate
4.5 Encourage Market Development and Innovation
5.0 Implementing the Strategy
5.1 Fostering Partnerships
5.2 Leading and Coordinating
5.3 Targeting Key Areas
5.4 Evaluating and Reporting
Bibliography
Appendix 1: Terms of Reference
Appendix 2: Summary of Water Use Efficiency Initiatives
Appendix 3: List of Resources