Bullrushes in the foreground with a large slough behind and some round grain bins on the opposite shore in the distance.

Researcher pans Saskatchewan water stewardship policy

A University of Regina scientist says the science does not support the province’s newly unveiled agricultural water stewardship policy

A long-time water researcher says Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Water Stewardship Policy ignores water quality and won’t accurately measure the effects of wetland drainage.

Lush green bullrushes surround a prairie slough.

Sask.’s new drainage policy gets mixed reviews

Conservationists and drainage proponents both have problems with the province’s Agricultural Water Stewardship Policy

Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency announced its Agricultural Water Stewardship Policy last week, nine years after regulations first set out the province’s intention to manage drainage. It appears stakeholders involved in the consultations on both sides of the debate aren’t happy with the final policy. Those who view drainage as a management tool say they could […] Read more

The agriculture industry says Saskatchewan is behind other jurisdictions in terms of education about water management, and there is a need for “one big table” where everyone involved in water can discuss issues.  |  Karen Briere photo

Network promotes better farm drainage communication

Farmer-led initiative says producers, public need better information about how to handle too much or too little water

REGINA — A new collaboration in Saskatchewan is meant to improve communication about agricultural water. The Saskatchewan Drainage Extension Network (SK DEN) is a partnership led by farmers and farm organizations who want water better managed. Related story: Landowners struggle with unapproved drainage “When it comes to drainage management and irrigation, I think we have […] Read more


Lane Mountney stands near the adequate outlet of a planned 28-quarter drainage project in the Rural Municipality of Wawken in southeastern Saskatchewan. He opposes the project, but his land has been designated as the adequate outlet. |  Karen Briere photo

Landowners struggle with unapproved drainage

Water quality is the latest concern for one Saskatchewan downstream landowner who receives water from a large area

WAWOTA, Sask. — Lane Mountney doesn’t want his neighbours’ water. However, one quarter section of his land in southeastern Saskatchewan was designated the adequate outlet for a 28-quarter drainage project and, even though the Water Security Agency hasn’t approved the project, the water has already started to arrive. Related story: Network promotes better farm drainage […] Read more