Water Use - Long Term
Water Use - Long Term
Divert, use or store water, and to construct works for more than 24 months.
For existing non domestic groundwater Licence (water use began on or before February 29, 2016), please see Existing Use Groundwater Activity Guide.
Related Activities: Notification of Authorized Changes, Short Term Use of Water, Change Approval, Existing Use Groundwater Licence
Contents:
- Mandatory Authorizations
- Costs
- Eligibility Requirements
- Information Requirements
- Potential Additional Requirements
- Related Links
- Other Things you Should Know
About this Activity Guide
| This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only. |
Mandatory Authorizations
| Authorization Name | Link to Authorization Guidance | Link to Application |
|---|---|---|
| Water Licence (Water Sustainability Act) | Authorization Guidance | Apply Now |
Costs
Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST.
| Cost Type | Cost Description | Cost | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Application processing fee due when application is submitted. | Varies by purpose. $250 - $10,000 | Water Application Fees |
| Rent | Rent is charged per year, but for lower cost rentals, may be billed in 3-year increments. | Varies by purpose | Water Rental Fees |
Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| One of the listed items must be applicable: | - Own the land or a mine where the water will be used. - Be entitled to possession of land or a mine where the water will be used. - Have substantial interest in the land, mine or undertaking where the water will be used. - Hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under the Public Utilities Act, the Utilities Commission Act or the Water Utility Act. - Apply as a municipality, regional district, improvement district development district or water users’ community. - Represent the government of British Columbia or Canada. - Represent a commission, board or person having charge of the administration of Crown land or a mine or an undertaking on Crown land, administered by British Columbia or Canada or controlled by a ministry, department, branch or other subdivision of the government of British Columbia or Canada. - Represent the Greater Vancouver Water District or any other water district incorporated by an Act. - Represent the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority |
Information Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|
| Water Licence Online Application | An online system which requires you to enter information onscreen and upload documentation, digital files and/or maps to support your application. | What You Need to Apply |
| Proof of Legal Right to Land | Documentation that you have legal right to the land, e.g. Certificate of Title or copy of a lease | |
| Drawings | A drawing that meets the Water Application Drawing Standards. | Water Application Drawing Standards |
Potential Additional Requirements
| Requirement | Description | When is it Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Land Tenure | Authorizes the use of Crown land when a Permit Over Crown Land is not sufficient. | When any of the following apply:
|
| Permit Over Crown Land (PCL) | Authorizes the flooding of Crown land or the construction, maintenance or operation of works on Crown land. | When your works cross or otherwise affect Crown Land in a manner that does not require a Crown Land Tenure. |
| Joint Works Agreement | An agreement that describes how responsibilities and costs will be divided among multiple parties when sharing water lines and other water works. Information on Completing a Joint Works Agreement. | If you share or are connected to another person's works, it is recommended that you draft a Joint Works Agreement. |
| Agent Letter | Signed and dated letter providing approval for agent or consultant to act on behalf of applicant. Legal names/entities to be used on letter. | When an agent or consultant will be acting on behalf of applicant. |
| Supplemental Information | Case-specific information required to make a decision on your application. This information supplements what you already submitted. E.g., geotechnical report or erosion control plans etc. | When government staff ask you to provide it. |
Related Links
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Policies | A current list of policies that provide further information and guidance on the Water Sustainability Act and the Water Sustainability Regulation. |
| Water Use Purposes | Provides a list of available purposes for a water licence and descriptions of each purpose. |
| Water Sustainability Act | Legislation introduced on Feb 29th, 2016 to ensure a sustainable supply of fresh, clean water that meets the needs of British Columbians. |
| Water Sustainability Regulation | Legislation that provides more detail of the Water Sustainability Act. |
| Licensing Groundwater in B.C. Questions and Answers |
Other Things You Should Know
Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.
BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:
- Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
- Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
- Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID
Consulting with First Nations
The Province is legally obligated to consult and accommodate First Nations, where required, on land and resource decisions that could impact their Aboriginal Interests. While the Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation. Also, proponents are generally encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes that may support consultation processes. More information is available in the following guidelines and procedure manuals designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations with First Nations. For further assistance, please contact the appropriate decision making agency.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.
Last Updated: July 31, 2018