Groundwater resource allocation in British Columbia: Challenges and ways forward
Date
2023
Authors
Allen, Diana
Gleeson, Tom
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Confluence: Journal of Watershed Science and Management
Abstract
Groundwater allocation in British Columbia is facing several important challenges. Groundwater is licensed under the Water Sustainability Act and potentially included in modern treaties. These challenges include acknowledging the importance of groundwater in supporting environmental flowneeds and human water use, the uncertainty and misconceptions surrounding annual recharge estimates, and the under-appreciated importance of aquifer drainage, while tackling cumulative impacts in watersheds using adaptive management with clear sustainability goals. This article summarizes these challenges and suggests ways forward so that we can more robustly, holistically, and sustainably allocate groundwater resources. This includes some evidenced-based suggestions that are alreadymbeing implemented partially or in some regions. Not implementing these suggestions risks permanent over-allocation of groundwater resources that would impact stream ecology, endanger rural livelihoods, and challenge reconciliation with First Nations. Keywords: groundwater allocation, groundwater resources, water management, water policy, climate change
Description
Keywords
climate change, groundwater allocation, groundwater resources, water management, water policy
Citation
Allen, D., & Gleeson, T. (2023). Groundwater Resource Allocation in British Columbia: Challenges and Ways Forward. Confluence: Journal of Watershed Science and Management, 6(1), 15 pp. https://doi.org/10.22230/jwsm.2023v6n1a49