Modernizing Industrial Water Rates in BC
Ending the Great Water Giveaway
Right now, BC has the lowest industrial water rates in Canada, effectively giving away one of our most vital public resources to some of the world’s largest industries. Meanwhile, communities are left struggling to fund the response to worsening droughts, floods, wildfires, and drinking water crises.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Bringing BC’s industrial water rates in line with other provinces is a fair, practical way to:
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Fund stronger watershed security
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Support sustainable economic growth.
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Keep communities safe and resilient to floods, fires, and water shortages.
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Safeguard BC jobs, grow food, and protect the economy — every industry depends on water.
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Do it all without costing taxpayers a dime.
This is a simple, fair, and fiscally responsible solution that will build long-term watershed security across BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a water rental rate and is this what people see on their water bill?
Water rentals are the annual rates paid by industries, municipalities and farmers that withdraw water directly from a water source like a stream, lake or aquifer. Water rentals are different from what people see on their municipal water bill. Households on municipality water supply pay for the delivery of treated water and sewage services.
Will fair industrial water rates strengthen BC’s economy?
Yes. Fair industrial water rates will strengthen BC’s economy by funding local watershed jobs, reducing business risks and building long-term stability. Every industry depends on water, from energy and forestry to agriculture and manufacturing, and secure water supply is essential to competitiveness and growth. Right now, British Columbians—not industry—are paying the price for poor watershed management through higher taxes and increasing disaster costs from drought, fire, and floods.
What happened when other provinces increased industrial water rental rates?
when Quebec increased its industrial water rates there was no outcry from
industry because these rates are still a small fraction of these companies profits. We
now see companies that operate in both provinces, like Rio Tinto, paying more than
ten times less to the BC government than what they pay to Quebec. Meanwhile
Quebec is using these funds to improve water management in the province, which
benefits the provincial economy in countless ways.
Why are BC’s industrial water rates so low?
Industrial water rental rates in BC haven’t been updated in over a decade. They were updated back in 2014. Modernizing them simply brings BC in line with other provinces and recognizes the true value of water in a changing climate.
How does this support farmers and small businesses?
Farmers and small businesses depend on reliable water supplies. By aligning BC’s water rental rates with other provinces, we can generate revenue to keep watersheds healthy and secure, supporting food production, local jobs, and climate resilience in every region.
Will this increase costs for everyday people?
No. This would apply to large industrial water users only, not households, small businesses, or farmers. It ensures industries pay their fair share for the water they use, without costing taxpayers a dime.