Whereas the privatization of water resources and infrastructure is becoming commonplace worldwide; And whereas privatization can lead to decreased access for the public, increased prices and decreased product and service quality: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial and federal governments take steps to protect the aquifers, surface water, public water and waste water infrastructure of BC from purchase by private corporate interests.
Ministry of Environment Under the Federal Constitution Act, the Province is the owner of the water resources and has wide responsibilities in its day-to-day management. This is further clarified through vesting provisions in the Water Protection Act and the new Water Sustainability Act. In effect, the Province owns the water in B.C. and has the proprietary right to ensure its protection and sustainable use. Water supply systems are commonly municipally owned and operated assets, with exceptions. There is nothing in either Act that prevents a water supply system from being operated by, sold to or owned by a private corporate interest provided the corporate interest meets the requirements of the legislation, such as acquiring an interest in the land to which the water authorization is associated. Wastewater and wastewater infrastructure is regulated under the Environmental Management Act EMA. Similarly, the EMA and regulations under that Act do not prevent wastewater infrastructure from being operated by, sold to or owned by private interests. Private interests active in the fields of public water and waste water infrastructure range from small one or two tanker truck operations that haul municipal supply system source water to large national or international scale enterprises e.g., Epcor Utilities that build, own andor operate water distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure. The Province recognizes that B.C.s water resources are one of our most precious and important assets, and continues to support the Water Protection Act and the long-standing ban on bulk water removals.