In time for World Water Day, Saturday, March 22, BC environment minister Mary Polak introduced legislation that will update and replace the province’s century-old Water Act with the new Water Sustainability Act.
In 2009 the provincial government engaged suggestions, ideas and input from residents, first nation organizations and other stakeholder groups to help shape the new water act. According to the ministry’s press release, seven key changes to the act will make improvements to: protect stream health and aquatic environments; consider water in land-use decisions; regulate and protect groundwater; regulate water use during scarcity; improve security, water-use efficiency and conservation; measure and report large-scale water use; and provide for a range of governance strategies.
“Modernizing the Water Act was a key commitment in our election platform, and we have delivered,” Polak said. “The development of the new Water Sustainability Act is an historic achievement. The act will respond to current and future pressures on our fresh water—including groundwater—and position BC as a leader in water stewardship.”
The Water Sustainability Act will be brought into effect spring 2015, once supporting regulations are developed and finalized. The government is also reviewing its approach to water pricing and has released a set of principles that will help inform a new fee and rental structure to support the new act and forward-thinking water management.
Amphibiographer Terry L. Brown is inviting the Powell River community to celebrate World Water Day at 3 pm on Saturday at Palm Beach. Music, meditation and prayers will draw attention to how there is one body of water in all rivers, streams, lakes and oceans, said Brown. “Bring your voices, musical instruments, ideas for protecting and restoring water, along with your friends, family and neighbours,” he said.
Readers can visit online to find out more about the global water celebration.
