Quebec SunsetWater, both surface and groundwater, is recognized in the Civil Code of Québec as something whose use is common to all, subject to rights of use or limited appropriation rights, that may be recognized. This common to all status implies that all members of society have the right to access water and use it in a manner consistent with its nature, and that the government has a responsibility to regulate water use, establish priority uses and preserve its quality and quantity,while taking the public interest into account.

Through the Québec National Water Policy the Québec government has moved towards the integrated water management approach. It has recognised 33 priority rivers and has established watershed agencies or basin organizations to manage these rivers.

Basin Organizations

Basin organizations are made up of representatives of all those groups involved in water management, such as regional county municipalities (RCM), municipalities, water users, environmental groups and citizens. Governments are also represented, but do not have the right to vote. The primary purpose of a basin organizations is to develop a master water plan, containing an overview and report of the watershed, issues, and goals to be attained.

Learn more about Basin Organizations at the Québec Coalition of Basin Organizations  (French)

Which Basin Organization manages the watershed where you live? (French)