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ARTICLE · 11 MARCH 2016

Water Sustainability Act – Transition Highlights

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
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The Act replaces the old Water Act and governs the use of surface water and groundwater in British Columbia. Below are the highlights of the transition to the new regime.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
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Most of the British Columbia's new Water Sustainability Act (the "Act") came into force on February 29, 2016, accompanied by the following regulations: the Water Sustainability Regulation, the Groundwater Protection Regulation, the Dam Safety Regulation, the Water Sustainability Fees, Rentals and Charges Tariff Regulation and the Water Districts Regulation. Section 18 of the Act – quick licensing procedure – is not yet in force.

The Act replaces the old Water Act and governs the use of surface water and groundwater in British Columbia. Below are the highlights of the transition to the new regime.

Applying for a groundwater license

Under the Act, persons using groundwater will require a license. This was not a requirement under the former Water Act. Accordingly, a transition process was set in place to enable persons who are already using groundwater to obtain a license.

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