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


Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Associatio president Myles Thorpe said sustainable crop production and soil health depend on proper drainage. The Saskatchewan Drainage Extension Network is to share and build knowledge of innovative and responsible water management practices, according to the press release. | File photo

Network aims to share drainage research and innovation

REGINA — A variety of agricultural stakeholders have formed a new provincial drainage research and extension network. The Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Association, which promotes drainage, announced the network Sept. 10, describing it as a private sector leadership initiative and a collaboration of industry leaders and strategic advisers. The Saskatchewan Drainage Extension Network will be known […] Read more

The Water Security Agency recently completed consultation on a draft policy that would use a per-network approach to retaining a certain percentage of wetlands. | File photo

Sask. wetland plan to have local focus

YORKTON, Sask. — Saskatchewan continues to wrestle with how best to allow agricultural water drainage while retaining wetlands. The Water Security Agency recently completed consultation on a draft policy that would use a per-network approach to retaining a certain percentage of wetlands. It would use a floor concept within the network, or a conservation and […] Read more