A new report released by the POLIS Water Sustainability Project identifies the top five water challenges the province of British Columbia will encounter in the future without further action.

The report identifies emerging water challenges that will define the province’s future.

The researchers argue that these challenges, and associated opportunities, must be addressed with a changing water cycle in mind to inform decision-making.

The five key water challenges unfolding in British Columbia’s watersheds are:

  1. Building resilience to drought and floods;
  2. Sustaining water for nature;
  3. Understanding the state of British Columbia’s watersheds;
  4. Protecting water quality for drinking, swimming, and fishing; and
  5. Reconciling the water energy nexus.

The report offers potential solutions to create water security and sustainability over the coming years. It is intended to generate productive discussions and actions among water users, communities, and policymakers.

“When you take stock of all the examples of water issues emerging across B.C.’s watersheds, it amounts to a daunting array of complex problems,” said Rosie Simms, a water law and policy researcher at POLIS, and co-author of the report with Oliver M. Brandes, POLIS co-director.

“These challenges also a present a genuine opportunity to collaborate on solutions, including full implementation of the province’s recent Water Sustainability Act through development of robust supporting regulations.”

A copy of the full report is available at poliswaterproject.org/topfivechallenges.

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