Development and urban growth within the Fraser Lowlands in both Canada and the United States, is putting increased pressure on shared water resources. The transboundary nature of surface watersheds and aquifers creates a dynamic management situation. Mismatched responsibility between levels of government in British Columbian B.C. and Washington State (WA) and different policy regarding management of watershed and aquifer use and protection can lead to conflict between watershed users at local and international levels. For example, a lack record of surface and groundwater withdrawal rates for private individuals in B.C has led to an information void. This has implications for management regarding flow rates of transboundary surface watersheds, as well as sources of long-term transboundary aquifer depletion. This paper explores management policy on both sides of the border, as it pertains to individual, community and province/state rights to surface and groundwater withdrawal, and the implications this has on transboundary water management
