Living Lakes Canada calls for modernized water rates in B.C.

Living Lakes Canada is among several organizations in British Columbia urging the provincial government to modernize industrial water rates.

The non-governmental organization (NGO) supports updating water pricing to generate funds for watershed security and climate resilience initiatives.

A report by the BC Watershed Security Coalition recently noted that British Columbia has some of the lowest industrial water rates in Canada, at $2.25 per million litres.

It also stated that funding for watershed security efforts has decreased substantially, affecting local stewardship groups, scientific organizations, and Indigenous communities.

The coalition suggests that modernizing industrial water rates could generate up to $100 million annually, with a portion of this revenue potentially reinvested into watershed protection and security efforts.

“We’re seeing local watershed efforts stall just as the need for action grows,” said Kat Hartwig, executive director of Living Lakes Canada.

“Communities want to protect their freshwater, but without stronger provincial investment, we’re losing momentum as trained staff are left without work.”

In the Kootenay region, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are advocating for improvements in water management and increased preparedness for water-related challenges.

Supporters of modernizing water rates argue that consistent, long-term funding could expand these local efforts and help build climate resilience across B.C.

Coree Tull, chair of the BC Watershed Security Coalition, noted that the proposed changes are both practical and fair.

“We know governments are facing tough budgets, which is why we did our homework. 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.”

The BC Watershed Security Coalition is urging the provincial government to include the reform of industrial water rates in Budget 2026 as part of an effort to update how B.C. manages its water resources.

The report can be found here: REPORT-Modernizing-Industrial-Water-Rates-in-BC-Oct-2025-1.pdf.