This Act provides essential protection of British Columbia's water. Specifically, the act:

1. confirms ownership of surface water and groundwater in the Province;
2. prohibits removal of British Columbia's water in bulk supply to locations outside of this Province; and
3. grandparents existing bulk water removal rights.

The Act prohibits large-scale transfers of water between the major watersheds of the Province and reserves and removes bodies of water from being used under the Act. The Act also provides for the issuance of certificates incorporating water users' communities.

Act: Water Protection Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 484

Ministry: Water, Land and Air Protection

• Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Legislative Summaries
• Other BC Government Ministries' Legislative Summaries
• Federal Legislation