Water Conservation Strategy
Executive Summary
British Columbia is on its way to becoming a water-use efficient province. In a recent survey of regional districts, municipalities and improvement districts, 76% out of 127 respondents have already developed, or are in the process of creating water use efficiency programs. Local governments and utilities are engaged in a wide variety of water-use efficient programs such as watering restrictions, media announcements, fixture replacement programs, metering systems and water efficient irrigation.
Despite these efforts, over 17% of our surface water sources have reached, or are nearing, their capacity to reliably supply water. Ground water levels in some regions are declining and over one-third of our aquifers are vulnerable to contamination. While the water supply situation is not a serious problem for many communities, these figures tell us that the availability of a healthy, sustainable and plentiful water resource can no longer be presumed.
The Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia points to the need for a more co-ordinated, province-wide approach to water use management to ensure the most efficient use of our resource. Initiated in the fall of 1997 by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (now called Ministry of Environment) , the Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia was developed through a working group comprised of federal, provincial and local government representatives; water utilities and managers; professional associations and special water use interest groups.
The Strategy promotes our water as a highly valuable resource and provides a framework to guide and encourage efficient and cost-effective water use throughout the province.
Local Actions
The Strategy offers a general framework and menu of water use efficiency tools from which to begin assessing water supply and demand management needs. The Strategy encourages the selection and implementation of these tools to customize a water supply management plan to local areas and circumstances. These tools include:
- Regulatory tools — to reduce institutional, legal or economic barriers or to establish barriers against unnecessary waste;
- Economic and financial tools — to reinforce the value of water and motivate people to reduce excessive water use;
- Operations and maintenance tools — to reduce leakage and improve efficiency of fixtures and processes;
- Market development tools — to increase the development and availability of water efficient products.
Strategic Directions
The Water Conservation Strategy identifies 10 strategic directions aimed at minimizing barriers to actions and encouraging a broader understanding and adoption of water use efficiency actions. Under each strategic direction, specific actions have been recommended to move us closer toward water-use efficiency in the province of B.C.. While provincial agencies and associations are being called upon to lead in implementing the Strategy, many strategic actions are directed at the local level, to enhance benefits gained from initiatives already taken.
Strategic Actions to Enable and Regulate:
- place a high priority on enabling local governments to require water conservation measures;
- consider ways to improve provincial review processes and policies; and
- provide direction toward updating building and plumbing codes.
Strategic Actions to Plan, Manage and Evaluate:
- encourage full consideration of water use efficiency in long-term comprehensive water supply planning; and
- support the development of industrial standards and guidelines for landscaping and irrigation.
Strategic Actions to Value and Motivate:
- promote the review of pricing structures; and
- support the development of financial incentives for municipalities, water purveyors and water users.
Strategic Actions to Communicate and Educate:
- reinforce the importance of existing education programs and encourages program enhancement; and
- provide the direction to develop seminars, workshops and guidebooks.
Strategic Actions to Encourage Market Development and Innovation:
- provide direction on exploring options, collaborating and encouraging innovation.
Implementation
It is important to recognize that B.C. is in a transition period with regard to its water resource. Population growth and economic development in the province dictate a new outlook on our use of water. The Water Conservation Strategy of British Columbia is a living document which has been designed to allow flexibility and adjustment over time as priorities change.
The initial implementation plan will be developed this fall and delivered over the next two to three years. The first step to implementation of the Strategy will be to discuss principles, directions and actions with water managers, decision makers and water users.
Working in partnership will be essential to the successful implementation of the Strategy. Partnerships will be developed among key agencies to carry out strategic directions that require collaboration. A water use efficiency committee representing the range of interests will continue to provide strong leadership and coordinate efforts.
Some areas throughout the province will require more attention to water use efficiency measures than others. At the local level, one sector or type of water use may also require special attention. These key areas will be prioritized by the appropriate agencies.
Ongoing evaluation and reporting will be essential to share information, document accomplishments, lessons learned, and ensure accountability.
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