Convening for Action community-of-interest is the home for Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia

On-the-Ground Initiatives

“Released in 2004, the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia provides a partnership umbrella for on-the-ground initiatives that build on the foundation provided by A Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia, published in 1998,” explains Kim Stephens, Executive Director of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.

Articles and stories about the Action Plan are posted by year on this Convening for Action community-of-interest. To learn more, click on  Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia: Framework for Building Partnerships to download a copy of this guidance document.

A Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia

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 and 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,” continues Kim Stephens.

“The goal of the Water Conservation Strategy was 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.

“The vision was that the strategy would 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.”

To Learn  More:

A 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