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…
April 12, 2022
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…
May 20, 2021
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…
January 13, 2021
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…
August 31, 2020
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…
July 13, 2020
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,…
May 12, 2020
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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