Communities Urge B.C. Government to Update Industrial Water Rates

Living Lakes Canada is advocating for a significant overhaul of industrial water rates in British Columbia, joining various communities in a call to action aimed at addressing outdated pricing structures. The initiative, backed by the BC Watershed Security Coalition, highlights the urgent need for reforms that would enable the provincial government to reinvest revenues into watershed security.

A recent report titled Modernizing Industrial Water Rates in BC: Ending the Great Water Giveaway reveals that British Columbia’s industrial water rates are among the lowest in Canada, capped at just $2.25 per million litres. At the same time, funding for watershed security has plummeted by nearly 80%, significantly hampering local water science, stewardship groups, and Indigenous communities in their efforts to enhance resilience against water-related crises like droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Potential Benefits of Modernizing Water Rates

The proposed modernization of water rates could generate over $100 million annually. A portion of this revenue could be reinvested into the Watershed Security Fund, aimed at bolstering local economies and supporting collaborative initiatives that prepare communities for the escalating impacts of climate change.

Kat Hartwig, Executive Director of Living Lakes Canada, emphasized the pressing need for action, stating, “We’re seeing local watershed efforts stall just as the need for action grows. Communities want to protect their freshwater, but without stronger provincial investment, we’re losing momentum.” She pointed out that trained staff are being left without work, and crucial monitoring and restoration initiatives are being scaled back as funding dwindles.

In various regions across the Columbia Basin and beyond, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are already taking proactive steps to improve water management and local preparedness. Hartwig noted that predictable, long-term investment could significantly enhance these efforts, allowing communities to address cumulative water insecurity impacts and share best practices.

A Call for Government Action

Coree Tull, Chair of the BC Watershed Security Coalition, described the proposed changes as a “fair and practical solution.” Tull acknowledged the financial challenges facing governments but stressed the importance of this initiative. “Modernizing industrial water rates would generate new revenue, strengthen communities, and ensure that those who profit most from water use contribute their fair share to steward it,” he added.

The BC Watershed Security Coalition is urging the provincial government to incorporate this reform into Budget 2026. The coalition believes that modernizing how British Columbia values and manages its most vital natural resource is crucial for the future sustainability of local ecosystems and communities.

Living Lakes Canada continues to monitor critical water bodies, including Assiniboine Creek, and remains committed to advocating for the necessary changes to water management policies. The coalition’s push represents a broader movement towards enhancing water security in a province increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change.