Water Use - Long Term
Water Use - Long Term
Divert, use or store water, and to construct works for more than 24 months.
Related Activities: Notification of Authorized Changes, Short Term Use of Water, Change Approval
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, where applicable.
| 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. | 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 Sustainability Act | The Water Sustainability Act is the principal law for managing the diversion and use of water resources in B.C. |
| Water Sustainability Act - Regulations | Provides a list of available purposes for a water licence and descriptions of each purpose. |
| Water Policies | Policies have been developed under the current Water Sustainability Act and informed by other provincial legislation to help guide the management of B.C.’s water resource. |
| Mapping Tools | A listing of free B.C. web-based mapping programs and tools available to the public. |
| Water Licensing and Rights | Information on water licensing and rights in B.C. |
| Water Licenses and Approvals | General guidance on water licences and use approvals in B.C. |
| Water Use Purposes | Categories and definitions for water use purposes in B.C. |
| Water Application Fees, Rentals and Refunds | Guidance on water application fees, water rental rates, including a water rent estimator tool, and refund policy. |
| Drawing Standards | Water application drawing standards required for application submission. |
| Joint Works Agreement | Information on a Joint Works Agreement--where two or more applicants need to share in the construction or maintenance of works to be jointly used under a water licence or use approval. |
| Water Rights Databases | Tools to search for information related to water licences, water users’ communities, and permits over Crown Land. |
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 committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
- The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
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 14, 2023