Some farmers in British Columbia (B.C.) were caught off guard when the Ministry of Forests instructed them to shut down their wells, effectively cutting off their groundwater supply and putting their livelihoods at risk. The Ministry stated that these farms and businesses were operating without a groundwater licence, which they were required to apply for by March 2022. The order came as the province implemented measures to conserve water due to severe drought conditions.
Many small farming operations claim they were unaware of the requirement to obtain a water licence and are now concerned about the potential impact on their businesses. The regulation to obtain a water licence was introduced in 2016 as part of the Water Sustainability Act, which aimed to protect streams and aquifers, manage water sustainably, and allocate water for various purposes. The deadline for applying for the licence was extended multiple times, but by March 2022, only 40% of estimated non-domestic groundwater users had submitted applications.
In Courtenay on Vancouver Island, approximately 50 local businesses and farms received water cease-and-desist orders. Some farmers, like Brad Chappell, who owns a cattle ranch, criticized the government, feeling that independent farmers were being deliberately targeted. Chappell mentioned that a fish population protection order prevented him from using water from the Tsolum River and his wells to irrigate forage crops. However, prolonged dry conditions have already led to a hay shortage in B.C., causing some farmers to cull their herds or sell their animals due to the high cost of feeding them.
The Ehrlich family, who run a biodynamic farm, had to purchase a water cistern and import water to sustain their operations. However, they realized that if they had to pay for water, their farm would become financially unsustainable. The Ministry of Forests stated that enforcement is a last resort and impacts farmers’ businesses, acknowledging the challenges farmers face. The ministry cited severe drought conditions and the need to protect salmon and trout populations as reasons for the enforcement.
Critics, including Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau, argue that the provincial government did not adequately inform affected individuals about the new requirements, leading to a “botched” implementation. Farmers like the Ehrlichs claim they never received warning letters and submitted applications that the ministry has no record of. Some farmers reported similar issues, receiving enforcement orders despite submitting applications.
British Columbia is currently experiencing a widespread drought, with most water basins at drought level 4 or 5. The government has declared a state of emergency to address wildfires. Some residents, who have been conserving water during summers for years, question the need for new measures. However, others, like Alison Nicholson from the Cowichan Watershed Board, report changes in well water levels and believe that change must happen.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, Nicholson supports the regulations and highlights ongoing efforts to manage and allocate water in the Koksilah watershed. A joint initiative by the government and Cowichan Tribes aims to develop a water sustainability plan. Community advisory tables will also provide advice on water allocation priorities. The B.C. government has committed to investing over $200 million in food security, but farmers believe that ensuring access to water and funding water infrastructure are key to supporting local farming.
Cornelis van Kooten, an economics professor at the University of Victoria, believes that authorities should have invested in better storage and water supply infrastructure over the years to mitigate the current water shortage. Van Kooten argues that government failure to address the water infrastructure needs of a growing population has led to the lack of irrigation water for farmers.