Water Use Planning Strategy
Water Use Planning is an example of sustainable work already in practice at BC Hydro. Water Use Planning was developed in 1998 in response to increasing demands on the province's water resources. Distinguished by its scope, structured approach and degree of interagency partnership, our water use planning program is at the forefront of hydroelectric management in North America. The overall goal is to find a better balance between competing uses of water such as domestic water supply, fish and wildlife, recreation, heritage and electrical power needs, that are socially, environmentally and economically acceptable to British Columbians.
Under the program 23 Water Use Plans are being developed for BC Hydro's hydroelectric facilities through a consultative planning process designed to consider economic, social and environmental values. Participants can include government agencies, First Nations, local citizens and other interest groups.
Those involved in developing a water use plan will assess competing alternatives and address these interests to create recommendations for water management at BC Hydro facilities. Each Water Use Plan, once authorized under British Columbia's Water Act, will define the operating boundaries of each licensed facility. The plans will also be reviewed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) who will provide necessary authorizations, as appropriate.
The Water Use Planning process helps BC Hydro reduce regulatory uncertainty, and provides operational stability. But perhaps more importantly, it has helped engage us with other agencies and the public in a dialogue about the options, impacts, tradeoffs and priorities involved in operating our facilities.
