The largest and most profitable corporations in BC are charged just a fraction of a penny per litre for billions of litres of water.
Industrial Water Use in BC is About to Explode
British Columbia is set to expand major extractive projects in response to tariffs and economic uncertainty. New resource projects, from massive LNG facilities and expanded mining operations to burgeoning AI data centres, are poised to dramatically escalate industrial water demand. This impending surge will place unprecedented pressure on our freshwater reserves, already strained by climate change.
The time to overhaul our outdated water pricing system is now. Delaying action will lock in unsustainable practices, making the problem exponentially worse and jeopardizing BC's environmental and economic future.
Tell Your MLA to Defend BC's Freshwater
BC's Gigantic Industrial Water Footprint
Just five corporations are allowed to take over 385 billion litres of BC's water every single year. Yet, for this monumental consumption, they pay ~$685,000 combined. Much of this water ends up polluted with toxic chemicals and left in pits for decades.
BC's Top Water User:
Northriver Midstream Operations
This oil and gas giant holds BC's largest water license, authorized to use a staggering 107 billion litres annually for a mere $115,000 in annual fees.
For context, Vancouver households pay roughly $2.50 per 1000 litres 2,500x more than Northriver pays for the same amount of water.
Free Water for Fracking, Scarcity for BC Communities
While BC households pay for water, some fracking companies have found a way to PAY NOTHING for billions of litres. By exploiting short-term licences, these industrial giants avoid paying the already low prices for water. This absurd loophole drains our precious water resources, contributing to water scarcity and placing an unfair burden on communities. It's an unsustainable practice that demands immediate reform.
Mining's Massive Water Footprint in BC
Four of British Columbia's top five industrial water users are mining operations, extracting billions of litres annually and polluting it with toxic chemicals.
Teck Metals (Trail)
84.6B litres
$190,991/year
Rio Tinto Alcan
81B litres
$182,924/year
Elk Valley Resources Fording River
57B litres
$70,578/year
Teck Highland Valley
55.7B litres
$125,764/year
Images from Google Earth
Follow the Money
Corporate Revenue
These five companies generate billions in annual revenue from exploiting BC's watersheds. Their water fees represent less than a rounding error on quarterly earnings reports. Companies like Rio Tinto already pay much higher prices for water use in Quebec, and it hasn't made them abandon their operations. They can afford to pay a fair price.
Public Cost
While corporations rake in billions, taxpayers are left to foot the bill for ecological crises like devastating floods, raging wildfires, and crippling droughts. It's time to demand industrial water prices that reflect true costs, forcing these giants to contribute to watershed restoration, not just corporate coffers.
The Real Cost of Cheap Water
While corporations pay minimal fees for billions of litres, the environmental and community costs are severe. This cheap water comes at an unbearable price, leaving a trail of devastation that impacts ecosystems and human lives for generations.
Ecological Collapse
Industrial pollution devastates aquatic life. Fish kills are a grim reminder of ecosystems poisoned by unchecked discharge.
Permanent Scars
Toxic tailings pits, brimming with hazardous waste, are left behind. These perpetual environmental threats contaminate groundwater and land for centuries.
Communities Thirst
Massive industrial water withdrawals exacerbate water scarcity, leaving communities with restricted water access and parched landscapes.
The Absurd Price of Water for Industry
The total fees for 385 billion litres of water amounts to less than the price of an average single-family home.
This stark comparison reveals a deeply unfair system: residents pay significantly more for their water per litre than these massive corporations. While households face rising utility bills, major industrial users enjoy minimal fees, shifting the true cost of water onto communities and the environment. This imbalance encourages unsustainable water use by those who consume the most.
Source: McAllister Opinion Research / Research Co.
A Strong BC Needs Strong Watersheds
BC's watersheds sustain our economies, our communities, and ecosystems. Industrial extraction at these scales—priced this cheaply—sends the wrong signal about water's true value. Dedicating $100 million annually from industrial water fees to BC's Watershed Security Fund delivers tangible benefits, strengthening both our environment and our economy. It’s an investment that pays dividends for generations.
Good Local Jobs
The Fund creates stable, well-paying positions in rural communities, keeping talent local and fostering economic prosperity.
Drinking Water
Keeping watersheds healthy ensures communities have clean drinking water secured well into the future.
Habitat Restoration
Funding is directed towards restoring vital salmon habitats, ensuring the survival of these iconic BC species.
Disaster Prevention
Looking after watersheds before disasters happen significantly reduces the risks and costs associated with floods, droughts, and devastating wildfires.
Thriving Communities: The Benefits of Abundant Clean Water
When our watersheds are healthy and protected, British Columbia's communities flourish. Clean water is the lifeblood of our environment, economy, and way of life, fostering biodiversity, food security, and vibrant outdoor experiences for everyone.
Flourishing Ecosystems
Pristine rivers and streams support thriving salmon populations, commercial and sport fishing, and the entire ecosystem. Healthy waterways mean healthy wildlife and a balanced environment.
Local Food Security
Reliable access to clean water nourishes BC's fertile agricultural lands, allowing local farms to produce abundant crops. This secures our food supply and strengthens rural economies.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Clean lakes and rivers provide endless opportunities for recreation—swimming, fishing, and kayaking. These natural spaces foster community well-being, tourism, and a high quality of life for all residents.
Time for BC to Price Water Fairly
Raise The Rates
Review all industrial water licenses for pricing that reflects the true value of water.
Invest In Watershed Health
Direct $100 million annually in fees toward good, local jobs bringing our watersheds back to life.
It's time to take action. Demand industrial water pricing reform. BC's watersheds can't wait.