PROTECTING OUR WATER – LOWER SOURIS RIVER WATERSHED

Local people will take the lead in planning and decision-making for the long-term protection of source water in the Lower Souris River Watershed.

Local watershed advisory committees were established earlier this year at the request of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, with representation from local municipalities, First Nations and a range of local stewardship, development and wildlife groups. The committees will work with technical experts to develop a long-term source water protection plan to help guide decision-making actions at all levels.

"The Lower Souris 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."

Because of the geographic size of the Lower Souris River Watershed, planning for the watershed was broken into three areas — the Four Creeks, Pipestone, and Antler sub-watersheds. The committees have identified several key topics to address: threats to aquifers by abandoned water wells; water management for years of drought and flooding; and impacts on water quality from urban, industrial and agricultural activities.

"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 chair Jeff Olsen 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 Lower Souris 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:

Jeff Olson Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Yorkton Phone: (306) 786-1364