Land Sales - Change of Water Licence Holder

In British Columbia, a water licence issued under the Water Act, is attached to a parcel of land. The water licence document describes the land where water is to be used – that is, the licence’s appurtenancy. Upon sale or transfer of the land, the rights and obligations under the water licence pass with the conveyance and become the responsibility of the new land owner.

A person conveying or otherwise disposing of land, that has a water licence is attached, must give written notice to the Regional Water Manager or the Comptroller of Water Rights (Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship).

Any outstanding annual rentals or fees become the responsibility of the new landowner. Sellers and purchasers of land where water rights exist, are advised to check for outstanding charges including: unpaid annual rentals, late payment charges, and licence amendment fees. Information can be obtained by calling 1-877-855-3222 (toll free).

A Change of Water Licence Holder form may be completed by either the person selling or purchasing land, and can be used to request the water licence be placed into name of the new land owner.

• Change of Water Licence Holder Form [pdf] / [word]

Please submit the form to the FrontCounter BC office which is nearest to you.

If the appurtenant land of a water licence has been subdivided or re-described, the water licence must be amended. Owners of new parcels may be eligible for a portion of the existing licensed water rights.

If you wish to abandon a water licence, please refer to information on abandonment of a water licence.

Additional Information

Water Rights in British Columbia and Rights and Obligations of Water Licence Holders provide additional information on the province’s water licensing requirement for surface water. At present a water licence is not required for the withdrawal of ground water in BC.

Scanned images of water licences, listed by licence number, are available online.

The water licensing database can be searched by using such criteria as source of water supply.

Information is also available for applying for a new water licence.