One Water Sector

The first thing to know is that a “One Water” approach is not new.

For many years now, the term has been used to emphasize and describe how water management is inherently integrated and interconnected with the communities, environment and systems it serves. It is a transformative way of viewing, valuing and managing water and presents the opportunity to change and address how we use water and create resilient water systems.

For our Association, “One Water” expands our understanding of the water cycle from source to tap and back to include commercial, agricultural, industrial and consumer uses and impacts. The One Water Wheel above helps us visualize these connections. It includes traditional infrastructure like pipes, treatment plants and water sources, while taking into account housing, infrastructure, industry and agricultural uses and what integrated methods like stormwater drainage, green infrastructure and reuse water can do to support sustainability.

At its core, it views the water cycle through the lens of resiliency, equity, quantity and quality to encapsulate all partners who manage and use water and considers a local-to-global perspective.

As we move into this Strategic Plan cycle, we look forward to delivering our value-add proposition to members, volunteers and partners across BC and the Yukon and advocating for the needs of water sector professionals on behalf of members. Visit our Get Involved page to learn about getting involved with the BCWWA and building your professional network.