The collection of streamflow data in northeast BC (NEBC) by the Water Survey of Canada has declined in recent decades, with ~20 active hydrometric stations in NEBC today, compared with over 50 historically. The active stations are primarily collecting streamflow data for larger systems, leaving a data gap for the smaller, tributary systems. This data gap represents a challenge with applying the provincial Environmental Flow Needs policy on water authorization requests on many of these smaller watersheds which have little to no hydrologic data to support decisions. _x000D_ _x000D_ The BCER and various other users, rely on the Northeast Water Tool (NEWT) to support water licence and short-term use approval application decisions. It is widely accepted and acknowledged that NEWT is not without limitations, which includes a higher degree of uncertainty for smaller basins, due to limited data for calibration. _x000D_ _x000D_ First Nation communities within Treaty Eight have expressed water as their highest priority and concern. A specific concern relates to water withdrawals from small watersheds, the lack of data, and the reliance on NEWT for water management decisions given its limitations. _x000D_ _x000D_ To help address the small watershed data gap and FN concerns, the BCER established this program, collecting streamflow data in smaller watersheds in NEBC. The long-term objective is to build stronger relationships with FNs and gather streamflow information in smaller watersheds to inform future water allocation and watershed management._x000D_ _x000D_ An overview of how the BCER manages water authorizations through applying the provincial EFN policy will also be covered in this presentation.
