Do I need a water licence?
The type of activities that need a water licence are outlined in Schedules 2 and Schedules 5-10 of the Waters Regulation. Some of the variables that determine whether a water licence is required include:
- type of undertaking:
- type of work proposed,
- direct water use:
- amount of water to be used,
- indirect water use:
- watercourse crossing,
- whether there are watercourse training or diversion construction,
- deposit of waste.
If you have further questions, our staff at the Water Board Secretariat, in cooperation with our colleagues from Energy, Mines & Resources, Compliance Monitoring and Inspections and Department of Environment, Environmental Protection & Assessment, will be happy to assist with any required clarification.
What if I need the water before the application has been approved by the Board?
Currently, there is no provision for interim licensing. However, some portions of a project may fall under the Schedule 3 notification of water use without a licence.
To find out more about licensing requirement please contact:
- Government of Yukon, Energy, Mines & Resources, Compliance Monitoring and Inspections for placer and quartz applications, and
- Government of Yukon, Department of Environment, Environmental Protection & Assessment for all other applications.
Can I use water or deposit a waste without a licence?
A person may use water or deposit waste without a licence if the proposed use or deposit of waste:
- has no potential for significant adverse environmental effects;
- would not interfere with existing rights of other water users or waste depositors;
- uses less than 300 m3/day for Placer and Quartz mining and less than 100 m3/day for Industrial work; and
- satisfies the criteria set out outlined in Section 4 of the Waters Regulation.
Anyone who wants to use water or deposit waste without a licence must fill out a Schedule 3 form and provide a map, at least ten days before starting work.
A Schedule 3 notice only applies to Industrial, Placer mining and Quartz mining undertakings. For further information please read the Schedule 3 Guidelines and/or contact the Yukon Water Board Secretariat.