BCCFC has been informed by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries that under the Water Sustainability Act, agricultural producers in B.C. using groundwater on or before February 29, 2016, for non-domestic purposes will be required to apply for a groundwater licence before March 1, 2022. This includes cannabis cultivators using groundwater for production. Although this application process is relatively simple at the moment, it will become increasingly more difficult after the deadline. Read the details in the most recent government announcement HERE.
SECURE WATER RIGHTS FOR YOUR FARM BEFORE MARCH 1, 2022
- Licensing your groundwater use is not the same as registering your well. If you have registered your well, you still need to license your groundwater for non-domestic use under the Water Sustainability Act (WSA).
- If you do not apply by the deadline, you must stop using the groundwater or you will be considered an illegal user after March 1, 2022. You will then need to apply for a licence as a “new groundwater user” and you will be at the back of the line. A new application may require an expensive assessment of the well indicating the impacts on the aquifer and the application may not be granted if there is not enough water.
STEPS TO APPLY:
- Register for a basic B.C. electronic identification (basic BCeID) if you don’t have one.
- Gather information you will need (before or during your application): Application Checklist
- Start your application for your existing Use Groundwater Licence online using your BCeID.
- Finish your application, and continue to use your groundwater until a licence is granted.
FOR ASSISTANCE:
- A Step-by-Step Guide
- Q&A on Groundwater Licensing
- Contact FrontCounter BC at 1-877-855-3222 or visit a FrontCounter BC Regional Offices
- Attend a virtual or in-person workshop by contacting AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca or 1-888-221-7141