PROTECTING OUR WATER – UPPER SOURIS RIVER WATERSHED

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

The Upper Souris River Watershed is the next region to participate in watershed and aquifer planning, a process facilitated by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority to help protect source water in the province's watersheds. Since 2003, residents of six watersheds and one aquifer area in Saskatchewan have participated and developed source water protection plans through this process.

"An adequate supply of high quality water is a valuable resource that contributes to economic growth and enhances our communities and way of life," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Nancy Heppner said. "The participation of local leaders ensures that local perspectives are heard. No one knows better than the watershed residents themselves about issues, priorities and activities that impact their watershed."

Sound management of Saskatchewan's watersheds and aquifers begins with effective planning that considers all aspects of water quality, quantity and its related ecological issues.

"The planning process is built on consensus, partnership and stakeholder involvement to develop common goals and achieve sound water management and source water protection," Heppner said. "The final plan incorporates local decisions and a shared responsibility for the actions identified by the committees."

In the next few weeks, Watershed Advisory Committees will be established in the Upper Souris River Watershed. Urban, rural and aboriginal governments, agricultural, industrial, environmental and economic development groups have been invited to participate. These committees will work with technical experts to develop a long-term source water protection plan to help ensure present and future safe drinking water needs are met.

A watershed is an area of land that water flows across or through on its way to a particular water body such as a stream, river, wetland or lake. The Upper Souris River Watershed covers an area from McLean to south of Estevan into North Dakota and from Ceylon to Oxbow.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has a mandate to manage and protect source water quantity and quality in the province. To learn more about Saskatchewan's watersheds visit www.swa.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Olson
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-1364
Email: jeff.olson@swa.ca
Cell: 306-621-7850

Sharon Rodenbush
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0913
Email: sharon.rodenbush@swa.ca