PROTECTING OUR WATER – ASSINIBOINE RIVER WATERSHED

Local people will take the lead in planning and decision-making for the long-term protection of source water in the Assiniboine River Watershed and the Yorkton Area Aquifers.

A local Watershed Advisory Committee the Yorkton Area Aquifers Advisory Committee 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 Assiniboine River Watershed and the Yorkton Area Aquifers are two 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."

Because of the geographic size of the Assiniboine River Watershed, planning for surface water was divided into two areas - the Assiniboine River sub-basin and the Whitesand River sub-basin. A separate committee is also in place for the Yorkton Area Aquifers. From the meetings to date, the committees have identified several key topics to address: agricultural impact on water quality; sufficient potable groundwater for the City of Yorkton and surrounding areas; improved surface and ground water quality; and the proper decommissioning of abandoned wells for groundwater protection.

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

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 plans for the Assiniboine River Watershed and Yorkton Aquifer will be developed in accordance with that model. There are 29 watersheds in Saskatchewan. A watershed for a particular water body refers to the geographic area that contributes runoff to that water body. Aquifers are underground source water.

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:

Rob Kirkness Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Yorkton Phone: (306) 786-1486

Brad Ashdown Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2863