PROTECTING OUR WATER – UPPER QU'APPELLE RIVER WATERSHED

Local people will take the lead in planning and decision-making for the long-term protection of source water in the Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed.

Local Watershed Advisory Committees were established earlier this year at the request of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, with representation from local municipalities and a range of local stewardship, development and wildlife groups. These committees will work with technical experts to develop a long-term plan to help guide decision-making at all levels.

"The Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed is one of seven priority planning areas in Saskatchewan," Watershed Authority Minister David Forbes said. "The participation of local leaders in the process ensures that local perspectives are heard as we move forward in implementing the government's Safe Drinking Water Strategy and building a green and prosperous economy."

About 22 per cent of Saskatchewan's population rely on water from Buffalo Pound Lake located in the watershed. The watershed advisory committee has identified several key topics, including: improved water quality in the river system which includes Buffalo Pound and Last Mountain lakes and smaller reservoirs; protection of groundwater sources; and the coordination of information from other agencies concerned with water-related matters.

"To encourage common goals and to achieve sound water management and source water protection, the planning process will be built on consensus, partnership and stakeholder involvement," Committee chair Robin Tod said. "Based on common goals, the final watershed plan will incorporate local decisions and a shared responsibility for the actions the committee identifies for the long-term plan."

A watershed for a particular water body refers to the geographic area that contributes runoff to that water body. There are 29 watersheds in Saskatchewan. Last fall, the government released Protecting our Water – A Watershed and Aquifer Planning Model for Saskatchewan, which outlined the process for developing local plans to manage and protect source waters. The plan for the Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed will be developed in accordance with that model.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority was created in 2002 as part of the government's Safe Drinking Water Strategy, with a mandate to manage and protect water quantity and source water quality in the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Robin Tod Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 787-0382