Water Use Licensing

Clients:

The primary clients of this program are private citizens and corporations (including municipalities and water co-ops) who require a water rights licence to conduct their business. The purpose of the licensing scheme is to ensure the sustainable allocation of the provinces water resources and as such all Manitobans (i.e. both licensees and non-licensees) benefit from the program.

The intent of water rights licensing is to protect the interests of licensees, existing domestic users, the general public and the environment with respect to the use or diversion of water or the construction and operation of related water control works under licence. In Manitoba, water withdrawals of less than 5500 Imperial Gallons per day (25,000 L) generally do not require licensing. These projects are protected under the domestic exemption. Licences are issued for municipal, agricultural, industrial, irrigation and "other" purposes. Projects that fall into the "other" category include air cooling/heating; aquaculture; fire protection; water bottling; water slides; etc.

Objectives:

1. To ensure fair and equitable allocation of water for beneficial uses
2. To provide for optimal allocation of water within the sustainable limits of the resource base
3. To assess and license appropriate water use proposals
4. To provide clients with high quality, timely service and information
5. To ensure that the potential for negative impacts of water use projects are minimized