BC Groundwater Licensing Deadline March 1, 2022
From: Yufe, Maria FLNR:EX <Maria.Yufe@gov.bc.ca>
Sent: February-01-22 8:36 AM
Subject: Existing Use Groundwater Licensing
Good morning,
My name is Maria, I am from the FrontCounter BC & Authorizations Provincial Team, with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development. I am reaching out regarding the recent Government regulation which requires non-domestic groundwater users to apply for a license. If you don’t use groundwater or have already applied please reply to this email to let us know and no further action is required to obtain a license. If you know of other groundwater users who may need more information please feel free to distribute this email or send their contact information my way.
The deadline for existing users of groundwater for non-domestic purposes is March 1, 2022. Groundwater licensing ensures there is a fair and transparent process in place for determining who uses the water, including during water shortages and will also protect aquifers and streams as well as the businesses and livelihoods that depend on reliable access to that groundwater. Unlicensed groundwater use after the deadline is an offence under the Water Sustainability Act.
FrontCounter BC will be hosting a drop-in virtual workshops to provide assistance to those that still need to submit their applications. If you wish to attend, please see the information below and RSVP to this email. If you are unable to attend the workshops but have some questions or would like assistance, please let us know and we can setup a time that works for you. I’ve also attached a brochure with information about the WSA changes, a list of information needed when applying, a link to a water rental fee estimator and a video tutorial on how to complete the application.
Water rental fee estimator: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/water_rights/water_rental_rates/calculator/index.html
How to apply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoYMs5OZMHc
Existing use groundwater license application: https://j200.gov.bc.ca/pub/vfcbc/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=VFStartApplication&PosseObjectId=79375519
NEED HELP APPLYING? ATTEND A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Date: Tuesday, February 8th, 2022
Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting
Workshop Details: Please join us on our drop-in virtual workshops if you need assistance with your application or would like to see a walkthrough of how to fill out an Existing Use Groundwater Application. Please RSVP to this email if you plan on attending. If you have specific questions, you can let us know beforehand so we can address them in the workshop. Please note that you do not have to attend the entire workshop, feel free to drop in at any time and we will do our best to answer your questions.
How to join the meeting: Click on the link below to join the meeting at the time of the workshop you wish to attend. You do not need a Microsoft Teams account to join the meeting. The meeting link can be opened from your default browser (works best in Chrome or Microsoft Edge), and you can join as a guest. The same meeting link will be used for both workshop sessions.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Best,
Maria Yufe
Groundwater Licensing Application Assistant
Tel: (778) 362-4816
FrontCounter BC Provincial Team
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development
10428 153 St #200 | Surrey, BC V3R 1E1
Tel: (778) 362-4816