“The path forward is clear. Provincial goals and strong regulatory standards in the areas of watershed and public health, as well as local expertise and involvement in decision-making, will all contribute to better governance,” states Deborah Curran.
The technical program for the 2009 BC Ground Water Association Convention included a session on water sustainability so that the groundwater community would be informed about provincial initiatives underway in BC, and the implications for groundwater.
In early March 2009, the British Columbia Ground Water Association will be holding its 39th Annual Trade Show & Convention in Penticton.
State of BCs Water – Rowena Rae (120p)
The State of Environment Reporting Unit at BC Ministry of Environment is leading the development of a report on the State of BC's Water for publication in 2010. The report will fulfil the commitment in Living Water Smart: BC’s Water Plan to publish a report on the state of our water by 2012.
The Township of Langley, in cooperation with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture and Lands, is developing a water management plan to protect local groundwater and promote its sustainable use. This is the first plan to be developed in British Columbia under the Water Act, and it is expected to protect local groundwater quality and quantity.
The Ministry of Environment held a one-day workshop in Nanaimo in March 2007 to provide technical information and highlight the work being done related to water quality issues on Vancouver Island.
Led by Karen Bakker, the program aims to connect water researchers with those active on water policy. The program conducts basic research on water management, engages the wider community in outreach and education on water issues, and facilitates dialogue on water governance between universities, communities, government, NGOs and the private sector.
The River Forecast Centre (RFC) collects and interprets snow, meteorological and streamflow data to provide warnings and forecasts of stream and lake runoff conditions around the province.
The Groundwater Assessment in the Okanagan Basin (GAOB) project is a major partnership initiative to assess and characterize groundwater resources in the Okanagan. A Steering Committee for the project, which began in the fall of 2003, includes representatives from the Geological Survey of Canada, the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the Ministry of Environment.
Water Highway BC – banner
Representatives of several industry associations have formed Water Highway BC (WHBC) to preserve and promote BC's water information highway – the water quantity (hydrometric), snow survey, weather and groundwater data needed to ensure public safety, economic development and water resource sustainability.
