By JUDITH LAVOIE,
Timescolonist.com
November 23, 2010

Most British Columbians want stricter rules to protect the province's fresh water, according to a poll conducted by the Vancouver Foundation and World Wildlife Fund Canada.

The poll, conducted by McAllister Opinion Research, found that 89 per cent would support stricter rules for managing industrial and municipal water.

A slight majority said today's level of water use is sustainable, but two out of three believe rules governing water use are not enough to protect against future threats to availability. Nine out of 10 of the 835 people polled said fresh water is B.C.'s most precious resource.

However, from WWF's point of view, one of the most interesting results was that 94 per cent say they want protection of nature and wildlife to be made a top priority in new provincial water rules.

The province is rewriting B.C.'s century-old Water Act and legislation, reflecting today's realities, such as climate change and population growth, is expected to be introduced next year.

"It's time for a modern Water Act for a modern B.C," said Tony Maas, WWF-Canada freshwater program director.

"A small number of countries are leading the way by including nature's needs in water management laws. We think there's a great opportunity here for B.C. to take the lead on water policy nationally and globally by legally protecting water for nature."

The province has committed in its water plan to ensure there is enough water in rivers to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

"This principle says nature's needs come first," Maas said.

The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3.4 per cent 19 times out of 20.

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