Groundwater

Groundwater Strategy

In 2026, we completed the Groundwater Strategy, a key action under the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Healthy Waters Plan. 

The strategy provides a clear approach to:

• Managing groundwater as a resource
• Reducing risks
• Supporting ecosystems
• Helping communities adapt to climate change

Review the Groundwater Strategy PDF file (11 MB)

Rationale for developing the Groundwater Strategy

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• Optimize liquid waste management

  Vancouver's combined sewer system

  Most of Vancouver is served by a combined sewer system. When overwhelmed, this sewer system can overflow into surrounding waterbodies (referred to as a combined sewer overflow, or CSO).

  When groundwater enters the sewer system, it can lead to:

  • Combined sewer overflows
  • Increased regional wastewater treatment costs
  • Reduced sewer capacity and premature sewer upgrades

  The regional liquid waste management plan generally doesn't allow groundwater to be discharged into sanitary sewer systems.

  Managing groundwater entering our sewer system

  The various ways that groundwater enters our sewer system require a strategic management approach to:

  • Meet regulatory requirements
  • Minimize risks to infrastructure
  • Protect ecosystems
  • Reduce costs

• Mitigate risks and adapt to changing conditions 

  The first step in adapting to and mitigating risks and their social, environmental, and financial impacts is to establish a baseline of the current groundwater system. We can then model how these risks could change over time and how severe they could be. This information will help us plan for and design solutions to address them.

  Groundwater-related risks in Vancouver

  Groundwater risks in Vancouver are influenced by urban development and climate change. They can impact people, infrastructure, and property. These risks include:

  • Ground settlement because of dewatering
  • Groundwater rise and saltwater intrusion because of climate change and sea level rise
  • Flowing artesian groundwater

  Did you know? In certain areas of Vancouver, groundwater is naturally found under enough pressure to rise above the ground surface when disturbed by drilling or excavation. This is known as flowing artesian groundwater.

• Use groundwater strategically and sustainably

  Climate change and population growth are anticipated to drive a water supply gap for the region as soon as 2030.

  Using groundwater as an alternative source of water

  Groundwater can act as an alternative source of water for non-potable (non-drinking) uses such as:

  • Irrigation
  • Laundry
  • Toilet-flushing

  Using alternative sources of water reduces demand on drinking water, preserving potable (drinkable) water sources.

• Protect ecosystems and the environment 

  Protecting groundwater levels and quality helps to make sure groundwater can continue to support groundwater-dependent ecosystems in Vancouver, such as Still Creek and Camosun Bog. 

  How groundwater supports ecosystems

  Groundwater supports ecosystems by providing a steady source of water for:

  • Wetlands
  • Streams
  • Vegetation

  This is especially critical during dry summers, when regional water restrictions are in place and rainfall is low.

How we will manage groundwater effectively

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• Goals to manage groundwater more effectively

  To manage groundwater more effectively, our goals are to:

  • Protect people, infrastructure, and property from groundwater-related risks
  • Preserve groundwater to diversify water resources and maintain ecosystem services 
  • Adapt to population growth, climate change, and emerging priorities with resilient groundwater management 

• Objectives to achieve our groundwater goals

  To achieve our goals, we will set out to: 

  • Support groundwater-dependent ecosystems by preserving local resources and vital hydrological connections
  • Improve water security and emergency preparedness through the sustainable use of groundwater
  • Reduce the impact of groundwater-related risks by assessing vulnerabilities and developing mitigation strategies
  • Maintain groundwater levels by enhancing infiltration and reducing waste
  • Safeguard groundwater quality by implementing measures to prevent and reduce aquifer contamination
  • Foster community awareness and support for groundwater protection through education and engagement
  • Inform decision making by increasing our understanding of local hydrogeology 

• Groundwater Strategy phase 1 actions

  The Groundwater Strategy proposes a phased, adaptive implementation approach.

  Phase 1 (2026 to 2030) includes 10 priority actions to:

  • Address immediate risks and baseline foundational knowledge
  • Support decision-making
  • Work with partners and stakeholders to advance our objectives

  These actions work together to:

  • Support growth and development 
  • Reduce risks to urban infrastructure, including our sewage and drainage system
  • Offset demand on drinking water 
  • Improve ecosystem health and resilience

  Review the Groundwater Strategy actions in more detail PDF file (11 MB)