Services

Empowering others to use groundwater sustainably and act wisely to protect this precious resource.

Technical Assessments

Competency in groundwater resource assessment & monitoring.

Water Rights & Policies

Expert knowledge of Water Sustainability Act and regulations;  licensing of groundwater use (see blog posts below).

Training & Capacity Building

Skill in technical training, project planning and implementation.

About Mike Wei, P. Eng.

Mike is a highly trusted groundwater professional. For over 40 years, Mike has effectively collaborated with a variety of government agencies, regional health authorities, industry, and academia on groundwater resource development & management projects.


Prior to embarking on consulting in 2018, Mike was the Province of BC's technical expert in developing and implementing groundwater legislation, including the Water Sustainability Act, as well as the Water Sustainability Regulation and Groundwater Protection Regulation.


Mike is a highly sought-after instructor in hydrogeology at the University of Victoria, and has also developed and delivered groundwater workshops on demand to regulatory decision-makers, water operators and numerous Indigenous communities in British Columbia.


Mike is also the Senior Consultant for Western Water Associates Ltd, with offices in Vernon, Victoria and Prince George.

Recognition

Meritorious Achievement Award from Engineers and Geoscientists of BC.


Robert N. Farvolden Award, Canada’s highest honour for a groundwater scientist from the  International Association of Hydrogeologists Canadian National Chapter and Canadian Geotechnical Society.


Premier's Legacy Award from the Premiere of British Columbia.

Recent Works


Hydraulic connection studies: Koksilah, Chemainus, Oyster & Chilliwack watersheds (with Western Water Associates Ltd)

Estimating groundwater allocation limits in BC (with Western Water Associates Ltd)

Mapping sea water intrusion risk along BC's coast (with Western Water Associates Ltd)

Advanced groundwater training with regulators & water operators

BLOG POSTS

Vesting of Water in British Columbia

“Vesting” is the legal concept that has historically been used to establish the government’s authority to write the laws that govern water use in BC.  To understand why we…

Thousands of users risk losing access to water as application deadline looms

Two recent articles and an Op/Ed published in the Province on the emerging crisis about licensing of historic non-domestic groundwater use in British Columbia: Op/Ed in the…

Domestic groundwater use in BC

In BC, use of groundwater for domestic or household needs does not require a water licence. No jurisdiction in Canada nor in neighbouring Washington State or Idaho permits or…

FITFIR in BC

The Evolution of FITFIR in BC When the BC government was engaging the public about the Water Sustainability Act (WSA - c2008 to 2014), there were generally two main feedbacks…

Exempted Use of "deep groundwater" in Northeast BC for oil and gas purpose

In 2015/16 when the Water Sustainability Regulation (WSR) was being developed, oil and gas prices were dropping. The BC government’s hope was to develop the shale gas fields in…

Insight:     Transitioning "Existing" Non-Domestic Groundwater Use into the Licensing Scheme

This blog provides insight into the licensing of non-domestic (i.e., non-household) groundwater uses that existed when BC’s Water Sustainability Act (WSA) came into effect,…

TESTIMONIALS


"Mike is very knowledgeable about the Water Sustainability Act and groundwater licensing process; he helped us successfully apply for our water licences quickly and efficiently for two company properties in Agassiz and Parksville." - Dave, planner

"We asked Mike to write a hydrogeologist's report to local government as proof of water for a well we had drilled recently. Mike's report was thorough and reflected his knowledge of the local area and significant depth of experience." 

- Judy, land owner, Cowichan Valley

"Working with Mike was excellent; he knows what needs to be done and who to contact and is reasonably priced.

I recommend his services to any small water system that needs advice from a groundwater professional." 

- Mike, water system operator, Gulf Islands

"Contacting Mike to assist with our water licence applications was one of our better decisions.  Without Mike’s assistance, it would have taken us many hours to sort out and understand the information required to complete the applications.  Mike’s professionalism was exceptional and his knowledge of the process saved us much time and frustration. Thanks Mike.

Steve Jackson, Director of Operations, School District No. 6

"Mike was a pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgable, polite and courteous. He saved me a lot of time and hassle. I would recommend Mike if you have an trepidation about moving forward with the commercial groundwater licensing application process" Co-owner, Lost Horse Motel


Best teacher I've had in my whole degree - UVIC student

Mike is a great teacher and I enjoyed his presentation style." Yukon government staff



  "Mike was very professional and knowledgeable in helping me apply for my existing use groundwater licence." - Brad, blueberry farmer in Langley  


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