The governments of Canada and British Columbia have renewed their water quantity monitoring agreement, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council and B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak announced today on World/B.C. Rivers Day. The Memorandum of Agreement for Water Quantity Surveys ensures the ongoing collection, processing, publication and distribution of water quantity data in B.C.

"Almost every sector of Canada's economy needs accurate information about water supply for economic and social development and to ensure environmental sustainability," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Renewing this agreement reinforces our joint commitment to understanding and managing water availability in British Columbia."

"It was essential that this agreement be renewed because British Columbians rely on the data collected for their safety and well being," said Minister Polak. "Water quantity surveys and streamflow data play a pivotal role in flood forecasting efforts across the province, and are also crucial for determining drought levels and water supply conditions."

The B.C. network of approximately 450 water quantity monitoring stations has been co-managed by Environment Canada and B.C.'s Ministry of Environment since 1975. The agreement provides for shared operating costs of approximately $7 million each year. Approximately one-third is covered by Environment Canada, while B.C.'s Ministry of Environment covers two-thirds and recovers half this amount from third-party clients such as BC Hydro, First Nations, industry, local governments and agencies.

Similar partnerships exist between the Government of Canada and all of the provinces and territories. Collectively, these bilateral agreements establish the framework for the national network of more than 2,500 water quantity monitoring stations. These stations provide valuable information that helps to protect and conserve Canada's water supplies.

The agreement recognizes B.C.'s responsibility for water in the province. It provides the structure and flexibility to ensure that B.C. has access to an effective and efficient water quantity monitoring network that supports public health and safety, economic development and the sustainability of the natural environment.

More information about Environment Canada's national hydrometric program can be found here: http://ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=11A9E7E5-1&news=402EA08D-E487-4068-B7A9-50657071D381

Contacts:

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819 934-8008

Media Relations
B.C. Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834