Objectives for introducing more flexibility and efficiency in the water allocation system
In order to introduce more flexibility and efficiency in the water allocation system the following objectives are proposed for a modernized Water Act:
- The water allocation system emphasizes and encourages efficiencies in both water use and the administration of water as a natural resource.
- Water users and decision makers have flexibility to quickly adapt to changing environmental, economic and social conditions
- The water allocation system integrates the management of groundwater and surface water resources where required in problem areas
- Water users conserve water during drought or when stream health is threatened
Please indicate your level of support for the objectives proposed.
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Strongly support
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Support
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Neutral
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Disagree
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Strongly Disagree
Comments:
Options to encourage water use efficiency:
- Government determines actual needs in relation to a proposed undertaking on the basis of efficient practices and works.
OR
- Codes for efficient infrastructure and practices in different sectors are developed, in partnership with the sector, and the modernized Water Act requires compliance with these codes.
– AND –
- The use of incentives and economic instruments is enabled in a modernized Water Act to encourage water efficiency.
OR
- Review rules for the transfer and apportionments of existing water rights. This includes improving the ability for users to transfer from one appurtenance to another, and for the extension of rights to other purposes.
Are there other options? If so, what are they?
Options to encourage administrative efficiency
- Permitted uses would be defined and allowed under the Act in accordance with regulations applied in a consistent manner throughout the province.
OR
- Permitted uses would be defined and allowed under the Act in accordance with regulations. Regulations might apply differently throughout the province based on risk or, if considered acceptable, defined and applied through a water allocation plan.
AND
- Voluntary self registration of the permitted use withdrawal.
OR
- Required self registration of the permitted use withdrawal.
Are there other options? If so, what are they?
What considerations would help determine which water uses and extraction rates could qualify as a permitted use (no water licence required)? What controls are needed? How should permitted use status be protected?
Options to encourage administrative and water use efficiencies
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Providing more detailed information about the proposed use and efficiency measures for licence applications or changes;
- Documenting potential environmental impacts and effects on other users in licence applications or changes;
- Seeking consent from, or undertaking consultation with, affected parties for licence applications or changes;
- Measuring and reporting actual water use when demonstrating compliance with licence conditions;
- Reporting well levels for regulated groundwater users;
- Self-registering wells, especially where groundwater is in direct hydraulic connection with surface water or in areas of known quantity concern; or
- ANY combination of the above.
Are there other options? If so, what are they?
Option to provide water users and decision makers the flexibility to adapt
- Provide decision makers and licence holders with the ability to seek amendment of water licence terms and conditions based on:
- New information about watershed issues, priorities or changes in supply (watershed, aquifer based) including addressing over-allocation and climate change impacts;
- The ability to use water differently e.g. bring more land into productivity, change land appurtenance or use, or to use water for a higher economic purpose;
- Incentives to consolidate licences within a community/watershed to inspire collaborative or shared management of the resource;
- Adverse impacts on aquifers or groundwater recharge zones; or
- Monitoring information that shows stream health is deteriorating because of lack of water.
Please indicate your level of support for seeking amendment of licence terms and conditions.
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Strongly support
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Support
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Neutral
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Disagree
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Strongly Disagree
Options for the water allocation system:
- First-in-time first-in-right – FITFIR – New uses of surface water and groundwater, where it is regulated, are allocated based on a modified FITFIR approach.
- Priority of use – New uses of surface water in streams and groundwater, where it is regulated, are allocated based on priority of use determined either in the Water Act or with community involvement in the water allocation plan process.
Are there other options? If so, what are they?
Options to address temporary water scarcity
- Discretional – The decision-maker determines the approach on a case-by-case basis, balancing the effects on water users with the required environmental outcome.
- Sharing – All water users would reduce use on a proportional basis depending on the water supply forecast.
- Hierarchy of uses – A hierarchy of uses guide how water use is reduced.
- Priority date – This approach follows FITFIR, as contemplated by the current requirements of the Water Act but could be expanded to include the protection of ecosystem values.
Are there other options? If so, what are they?
Options to address long-term scarcity
- Through a mandatory Water Management Planning process, such as a Water Management Plan provided for in Part 4 of the Water Act.
- At the request of water users or communities – Water licensees and other interested parties may develop a plan that addresses long term scarcity on a watershed basis and provides recommendations for supply and demand side changes to be made.
Are there other options? If so, what are they?