Water Sustainability Act ([SBC 2014] Chapter 15). Country/Territory Canada Territorial subdivision British Columbia Document type Legislation Date 2014 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Water Keyword Basic legislation Freshwater resources management Institution Water charges Authorization/permit Surface water Waterworks Industrial water use Irrigation Water abstraction Sustainable development Sustainable use Enforcement/compliance Geographical area Americas, Arctic, Asia and the Pacific, East Pacific, North America, North Atlantic Entry into force notes The present Act will come in force on 29 February 2016. Abstract The present Water Sustainability Act (WSA) shall ensure a sustainable supply of fresh, clean water that meets the needs of B.C. residents today and in the future. In particular, the Act updates and replaces the previous Water Act, bringing in a number of important changes for existing and new surface water and groundwater users. Key changes that are now in effect under the WSA and new Regulations include: New water rights and licensing requirements for non-domestic groundwater users (e.g., industrial, agricultural); Stronger protection for aquatic ecosystems; New fees and rentals for water use; Expanded protection of groundwater including new requirements for well construction and maintenance; Increased dam safety and awareness, and compliance and enforcement. Full text English Website www.qp.gov.bc.ca References - Legislation Implemented by Water Sustainability Regulation (B.C. Reg. 36/2016). Legislation | Canada | 2016 (2021) Keyword: Water rights, Water charges, Water abstraction, Water conservation zone, Water quality standards, Water supply, Waterworks, Expropriation, Enforcement/compliance, Sustainable development, Sustainable use Source: FAO, FAOLEX Groundwater Protection Regulation (B.C. Reg, 39/2016). Legislation | Canada | 2016 Keyword: Groundwater, Freshwater pollution, Freshwater resources management, Registration, Sustainable development, Sustainable use, Pollution control Source: FAO, FAOLEX Dam Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 40/2016). Legislation | Canada | 2016 Keyword: Surface water, Groundwater, Waterworks, Sustainable development, Sustainable use, Enforcement/compliance Source: FAO, FAOLEX Water Sustainability Fees, Rentals and Charges Tariff Regulation (B.C. Reg. 37/2016). Legislation | Canada | 2016 Keyword: Surface water, Groundwater, Water charges, Enforcement/compliance, Sustainable use Source: FAO, FAOLEX Water Districts Regulation (B.C. Reg. 38/2016). Legislation | Canada | 2016 Keyword: Zoning, Groundwater, Surface water, Sustainable use, Sustainable development Source: FAO, FAOLEX