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Passed into law in May 2014, the associated regulations are now being developed. In October 2014, a diversity of individuals working on issues related to water sustainability came together at a workshop held at the University of Victoria. “This group of water leaders developed a statement of support to the province which identified action was required on two critical issues to insure success of the Water Sustainability Act,” reports John Finnie.

Water use reporting software used in the Okanagan would allow information on major groundwater and surface water extractions to be gathered efficiently from all over B.C. “The water utilities have been very supportive. This approach will streamline fee payments and give much greater value to communities at very little additional cost,” stated Don Dobson.

“The provision for development of watershed-based Water Sustainability Plans will enhance food security by securing water for future development of agricultural lands; ensure critical environmental flows for survival of fish and other aquatic habitat; promote a water balance way-of-thinking; and establish a water reporting system so that water is used beneficially,” states Ted van der Gulik.

“The act signals a fresh approach based more on stewardship and protection than simply on rules for resource extraction. All of us must become architects of our sustainable water future by ensuring that our leaders keep their promises and the words they use have real meaning and follow-through,” writes Oliver Brandes.

The Water Sustainability Act replaces the 105-year Water Act. After the act was passed, Environment Minister Mary Polak described it as a historic achievement for British Columbia. “Those were different times with different demands on our water resource. B.C.’s entire population was only 350,000. Today, our provincial population is 4.6 million,” she added.

Given our growing population, changing climate and expanding development, we must take concrete steps to ensure our supply of clean fresh water is sustainable. Our generation has a duty and an obligation to be water stewards today, and for the generations that follow,” stated Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

“The Water Sustainability Act recognizes the connection between land use actions and the implications (consequences) for both the water cycle and watershed sustainability in the local government setting. This is important because restoration and protection of watershed health is a priority for local governments in BC,” states Derek Richmond.

“The Partnership applauds the Province for developing the Legislative Proposal with the objective of introducing a final version of the Water Sustainability Act in the legislature in 2014. The Act moves BC beyond a traditional ‘water allocation’ way-of-thinking and acting,” stated Tim Pringle.

“What government does is only part of the solution. All British Columbians are challenged to play their part to protect, preserve and conserve our water. I look forward to introducing the new Water Sustainability Act in the legislature in 2014,” wrote BC Environment Minister Mary Polak.

“The Provincial Government’s Living Water Smart Plan and the modernization of the BC Water Act provide significant potential to improve water management and protect water resources in British Columbia,” wrote Jack Wong.