Who Is Responsible for Our Systems?
Individual property and homeowners are responsible for maintaining the pipes that connects their building to the water and sewer systems.
In many rural areas, individual homeowners are responsible for maintaining their own well and/or septic system.
Regulations
Water resources are governed through several federal and provincial acts that provide the framework for regulations that establish criteria for water quality and treatment.
Drinking Water
Drinking water systems are regulated by the BC Ministry of Health under the Drinking Water Protection Act, and Drinking Water Protection Regulation. Local health authorities work with municipalities, using BC Drinking Water Guidelines and Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure that water is safe to drink.
Sewer Systems
Sewer systems are regulated by the BC Ministry of Environment under the Provincial Environmental Management Act, and Municipal Waste Water Regulation, and must adhere to the Federal Fisheries Act, and Federal Wastewater Regulation. Small sewage systems, like septic tanks, are regulated in BC by the BC Ministry of Health under the Sewerage System Regulation.