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.
Tag Archives Water Security Agency
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
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
Wetland advocates hoped Sask. election would talk water
REGINA — A group pushing for a wetland policy says it should have been a Saskatchewan election issue. Wetlands for Tomorrow includes scientists, farmers and conservationists. Last week at a news conference near Wascana Lake in Regina, spokespersons said everyone should work together toward a common goal of water quality. “The province of Saskatchewan really […] Read more
Sask. irrigation analysis finds economic benefit
The first phase of a three-phase megaproject in province’s Lake Diefenbaker region could begin construction next year
REGINA — Rehabilitating the Westside Irrigation Project at Lake Diefenbaker will boost gross domestic product by at least $5.9 billion over 50 years, according to the Saskatchewan government. The economic analysis of the proposed project, the first of three, was done by KPMG LLP and released Sept. 26. It said the $1.15 billion project will […] Read more
Sask. election has agriculture sector’s attention
REGINA — Saskatchewan is about to enter a formal election campaign for an Oct. 28 vote. The writ had not been formally dropped as of Sept. 23 but was expected no later than Oct. 1. The Western Producer asked organizations what they had on their wish lists for those vying to govern. SSGA president Jeff […] Read more
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
Irrigators say Sask. expansion plan is necessary
The expansion project has faced criticism in the province, but supporters argue it would boost the province’s GDP
REGINA — Proponents of Saskatchewan’s plan to add 90,000 acres of irrigation by rehabilitating a decades-old uncompleted project are looking forward to progress. The Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation (WIRP) project is part of a 10-year, $4-billion megaproject announced four years ago to expand Saskatchewan’s irrigable acres from Lake Diefenbaker to 500,000. At the time, the WIRP […] Read more
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
Sask. warned about heavy rainfall
REGINA — Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency is warning residents in the central grain belt of heavy rain and increased flows through the weekend. The forecast on June 27 was calling for heavier rain around Kindersley, North Battleford, Biggar, Outlook, Saskatoon, Rosthern, Humboldt, Foam Lake, Regina Beach, Buffalo Pound Lake, Davidson and the north end of […] Read more
Sask. auditor urges WSA to finalize water, wetland policies
REGINA — Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor said the Water Security Agency is making progress toward implementing recommendations made in 2018 about how it regulates agricultural drainage. However, it still hasn’t finalized its water quality and wetland retention requirements, which Tara Clemett said should be in place before drainage is approved. The auditor said there are risks […] Read more
