SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN SASKATCHEWAN'S WATER STRATEGY

Saskatchewan has made significant progress in implementing its Long Term Safe Drinking Water Strategy. Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Minister David Forbes was speaking to the first meeting of the newly appointed Advisory Committee, which will have a key role in helping the Authority manage and protect Saskatchewan's water resources.

"The work our Government has done to date will provide a strong foundation," Forbes said. "The Advisory Committee will provide key input into Saskatchewan's existing water policy and in the water conservation component we are committed to release later this year."

According to Forbes, Saskatchewan's Long Term Safe Drinking Water Strategy already includes many of the specific key actions in Alberta's recently announced water strategy. Saskatchewan is already implementing new drinking water regulations, drinking water quality monitoring requirements, improved access to drinking water treatment information and enhanced enforcement. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority also initiated watershed management and planning initiatives in seven of the highest priority watersheds in the province.

This year, the Authority is investing $3.7 million and approximately $87 million over the next 20-30 years to assess, to rehabilitate and upgrade water management infrastructure across the province to help control the flow of water to improve water quality, ensure adequate supply, reduce the risk of flood damage, enhance recreational opportunities and maintain aquatic habitat.

Built on the earlier work of the Water Management Framework in the 1990's, Saskatchewan announced the three major components to its Long Term Safe Drinking Water Strategy in April 2002. The major components for Saskatchewan's water policy include: source water protection and management; strengthened regulations; and sustainable water treatment solutions.

The Advisory Committee will identify and evaluate a broad range of water issues, challenges and opportunities to provide the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority with information and advice. Representatives from stakeholder and interest groups selected for this committee bring wide-ranging expertise on source water issues.

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For More Information, Contact:

Stuart Kramer Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 694-3901