Ground Water

• Legislation
• Qualified Well Drillers and Qualified Well Pump Installers
• List of Ground Water Consultants
• NTS Reports Library and Master List
• Wells
• Aquifers
• Observation Well Network
• Ground Water Quality
• Ground Water Reference Library (reports, studies, tools)
• Environmental Assessment Ground Water Extraction Projects
• Ground Water Relevant Links
• Contact Information for Regional and Victoria Staff Dealing with Ground Water

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Legislation

Ground Water Protection Regulation (GWPR)

• B.C.'s Ground Water Protection Regulation - What Private Well Owners Should Know (191kb)

This document is intended for anyone who owns a private water well. It contains information about: the standards and requirements set out in the Ground Water Protection Regulation (GWPR), the responsibilities of well owners under the GWPR, and how to obtain more information. Please note, however, that the document is meant as a guide to the GWPR in plain language. In the event of any inconsistency between its wording and the wording of the Ground Water Protection Regulation, the Regulation prevails.

• FAQ Regarding Geotechnical Wells [pdf - 169kb] NEW
• Backgrounder
• Regulation

The GWPR deals with aspects of well construction that significantly enhance ground water protection — i.e., installing effective surface seals around wells, securely capping and floodproofing wells, and permanently closing unused wells to protect ground water quality. The GWPR also establishes the qualifications for well drillers and well pump installers and provides for a provincial registry of those possessing the qualifications.

Water Act

In 2001, the legislature approved amendments to the Water Act as part of a broader initiative to improve drinking water protection in British Columbia. These amendments added a new "Part 5" to the Act entitled "Wells and Ground Water Protection". The new provisions took effect on November 1, 2004.

Complaint Form (81kb)

Well Identification Information

Registration of Drillers and Pump Installers

Written Confirmation for Alternative Specifications form (814kb) New!

• When and How to Issue Alternative Specifications by Qualified Professionals [pdf]

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Our vision is a sustained and healthy ground water resource.