2024 R45 – Groundwater Protection in the Province of British Columbia

Whereas over one million British Columbians rely on groundwater for daily use and that groundwater presents significant challenges in terms of monitoring, defining (classifying/characterizing),and demonstrating water viability, including water-use budgets/allocations;

And whereas the impacts of climate change, population growth and industrial activity are intensifying, and all three factors can negatively impact groundwater sustainability and sources:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the provincial government prioritize the following:
1. Renew the work to identify aquifers at risk in terms of productivity and vulnerability to contamination, climate change, population growth and other criteria;
2. Continue to build in the province’s groundwater monitoring capacity, including installation of additional observation wells for high risk aquifers;
3. Develop a regular reporting process on the health and viability of high-risk aquifers; and
4. Develop a funding program for local governments to support local monitoring of groundwater resources.