Water Use - Short Term
Water Use - Short Term
A Short Term Use Approval under the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) permits you to divert and use water, and to construct works, for a term not exceeding 24 months. Amendments to an existing Short Term Use Approvals can be made by applying for a transfer of appurtenancy, change of works, change of purpose or extension of term.
Related Activities: Notification of Authorized Changes, Water Licences, Change Approvals
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term Use of Water Approval (Water Sustainability Act) | Authorization Guidance | Apply Now |
| Short Term Use Approval Amendment (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 the application is submitted. | Varies by purpose. $250 - $10,000 | Water Rent and Application Fee Estimator |
| Rent | Rent is charged when the application is submitted. | Varies by purpose. | Water Rent and Application Fee Estimator |
Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Any | There are no limitations on who may apply, however, landowner consent must be provided for any lands where work is being done for this authorization. |
| Oil and gas related activities | If work in this application is being done to support oil and gas activities that are being authorized by the BC Energy Regulator here instead. |
Information Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term Use of Water Approval 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? |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Supplemental Information or Technical Reports | Case-specific information required to make a decision on your application. This information supplements what you already submitted. E.g., geotechnical report, fish 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 | The Water Sustainability Act (WSA) regulations provide details about how the general principles in the WSA are to be applied in B.C. |
| 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. |
| Licensing Groundwater in B.C. – Questions and Answers | Questions and answers to assist with determining if a water licence is required and what is needed to submit an application. |
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