Under the provincial Water Sustainability Act (WSA), if you divert or use groundwater for non-domestic purposes, you are required to apply for a water licence and pay water fees and rentals to the provincial government. This change came into effect in 2016 with a six year transition period to groundwater licensing. If you submit your application on or before March 1, 2022, your one-time application fees will be waived.
Groundwater licensing establishes equity between stream water and groundwater users, and provides additional benefits. You need a water licence if you use groundwater for uses other than domestic purposes. This includes businesses, irrigators, industries, waterworks, and others who divert or use groundwater from a well or a dugout for non-domestic purposes. Home businesses must also apply for a water licence.
Even if you do not need a licence, you are encouraged to register your well to protect your domestic water use rights.
Find out more: groundwater.gov.bc.ca