Rethinking Our Water Ways

a guide to water and watershed planning for BC communities in the face of climate change and other challenges

Water is a Critical Resource

Water is one of BC’s most precious resources – sustaining people, communities, agriculture, natural ecosystems, fish and wildlife, hydroelectric power production, industry, recreation and tourism. Water is critical to life in BC, and to life itself.

It’s a resource under pressure

Water is a finite resource, and demand is on the rise. Some areas of BC face regular water shortages, likely to become more acute with rising population, multiple uses and climate change. Climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events and instances of flood and drought. BC  also experiences some variations in water quality, which poses a number of problems, including risks to drinking water.

We need to reset the bar

Rethinking our water ways is a new initiative of the Fraser Basin Council to highlight the challenges of managing BC’s watersheds and water resources sustainably, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing demand for water. Do you have a responsibility for water in your community or region? Is your sector dependent on water for your work? Are you concerned about multiple demands and impacts on the health of watersheds? We welcome everyone with an interest in water to explore this site, and attend one of our companion workshops.

Managing Supply and Demand

Water Plans in BC

What processes now exist to manage water supply and demand in BC?  One opportunity is water allocation planning, which accounts for cumulative needs and demands in a watershed –  so that licensing decisions can be made with greater certainty, efficiency and a focus on water sustainability. Read more about water allocations plans, water conservation plans, drought management plans and water use plans.