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Whether you need a Farm Water Management Plan, an irrigation efficiency review, or help navigating water licence requirements, we are here to help.
Water management planning is a core part of Pacific Agriculture's work across BC farm operations. Water is the most critical and most regulated resource on any farm, and getting its management right across irrigation, drainage, storage, and runoff is fundamental to the long-term viability of your operation.
We support clients across the full range of water planning needs, from irrigation efficiency assessments and drainage improvement plans through to farmyard runoff containment and on-farm storage design. Our plans are tailored to your property and designed to be practical working documents, not shelf reports.
Our water planning work is closely tied to BC's regulatory requirements, and every plan is built to stand up to compliance review while delivering long-term operational performance.
From irrigation system design to drainage planning and runoff management, we provide the full range of on-farm water management services.
We prepare comprehensive, site-specific Farm Water Management Plans that address irrigation, drainage, runoff, and storage across your entire property. These plans provide a clear roadmap for infrastructure investment and ongoing water management decisions.
Irrigation system performance has a direct impact on crop quality, water licence compliance, and operating costs. We assess your current system, identify inefficiencies, and provide recommendations for improvement supported by field data.
Poor drainage is one of the most significant constraints on agricultural productivity in BC's wetter regions. We assess drainage conditions, identify problem areas, and develop improvement plans tailored to your soils and topography.
Runoff from farm buildings, feedlots, and manure storage areas is a significant source of agricultural pollution and a common focus of regulatory attention. We assess your operation's runoff risks and develop practical containment and management solutions.
Stormwater management plans control how precipitation moves across your property, protecting fields, infrastructure, and adjacent watercourses from erosion and contamination. We assess site drainage, develop plans that manage both runoff volume and water quality, and address the stormwater requirements that often come with farm development and local government permits.
On-farm storage reservoirs provide a buffer against supply variability and can significantly improve irrigation efficiency. We assess site suitability, develop storage design specifications, and advise on applicable water licence and regulatory requirements.
Water use on BC farms is regulated under the Water Sustainability Act and requires appropriate water licences. We advise on licence requirements, compliance obligations, and the documentation needed to demonstrate responsible water use.
Water is both BC agriculture's most valuable resource and one of its most regulated. The Water Sustainability Act governs water use across the province, and farm operations that use surface or groundwater for irrigation or other agricultural purposes are required to hold appropriate water licences and comply with applicable conditions.
Beyond the regulatory framework, effective water management across irrigation, drainage, and runoff is fundamental to farm productivity, soil health, and environmental performance. Poor irrigation wastes water and energy, inadequate drainage suppresses yields, and unmanaged runoff creates both agronomic and compliance problems.
A well-designed water management plan addresses all three dimensions (regulatory compliance, agronomic performance, and environmental responsibility) in a coordinated way.
Using water without a valid licence creates regulatory exposure. Understanding your licence position and any gaps should be the first step in any water management review.
Irrigation system design and scheduling have a significant effect on water use, energy costs, crop performance, and downstream water quality. Small improvements can produce meaningful savings.
Poorly drained soils suppress yields and create conditions for nutrient leaching and runoff. Drainage planning that considers both agronomic outcomes and environmental obligations produces better results on both fronts.
Whether you need a Farm Water Management Plan, an irrigation efficiency review, or help navigating water licence requirements, we are here to help.