The St'at'imc Principles place protection of water quantity, quality and timing of flow, including watershed restoration, first and foremost. The high cultural and ecological priority we place on water warrants a highly precautionary approach to this vital resource. All domestic use watersheds and 50 metre buffers on all streams and water bodies are given full protection through St'at'imc Water Protection Areas. The St'at'imc Forestry Code and other St'at'imc laws will also set out additional provisions related to matters such as hydroriparian assessments, riparian management zones, water licencing, priority in water use, water quality monitoring, and existing residential development (e.g, sewage disposal in St'át'imc water bodies).

"Water is the single most important element for life. Good quality, good quantity is needed for all life forms. Most water sources are known to the St'at'imc, be it springs, streams and lakes. Many food items were found near water. Plants, food, medicines and technology (fibre for baskets, rope, nets), fish, animals and use by people, campsites, and trails - all this we incorporated with water." - Gerald Michel, Nxwisten