INVESTING IN SOURCE WATER PROTECTION

A locally developed plan to protect and manage source water in the Lower Souris River watershed is now complete and significant progress is being made on plans in six other high priority watersheds and aquifers.

"The completion of the Lower Souris River Watershed Protection Plan is an important milestone for Saskatchewan's Safe Drinking Water Strategy," Watershed Authority Minister John Nilson said at a conference for planning committee members in Regina.

"Local planning committee participants have contributed long hours over the past few years to a very complex task," Nilson added. "With technical assistance and support from the federal and provincial governments and private sector partner Ducks Unlimited, these concerned citizens have ensured sound management and protection of their source water through effective planning."

Nilson also announced details of $485,000 in new funding in Saskatchewan's 2006–2007 Budget for watershed protection activities:

• Up to $25,000 is being provided to watersheds and aquifers with completed plans, to assist with the salary, office and travel expenses associated with hiring a local co-ordinator to oversee implementation. A total of $150,000 is available for this activity in 2006–2007;

• $100,000 to increase the level of technical support on ground water the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority can provide to the planning process, including hiring a new hydro-geologist;

• $155,000 for improved information to guide water management, including $85,000 for land uses and water quality research, and $70,000 for additional hydrometric stations to improve understanding of water flows; and

• $80,000 for the ongoing protection of endangered Piping Plovers nesting along the shore of Lake Diefenbaker.

The development of plans to protect and manage source water is a priority of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. Planning activities are underway in seven high priority watersheds and aquifers (Assiniboine River, Lower Souris River, Moose Jaw River, North Saskatchewan River/Battle Creek, South Saskatchewan River and Upper Qu'Appelle River watersheds, and the Yorkton aquifer).

A watershed refers to the geographical area were runoff flows to a particular water body. Aquifers are underground source waters. There are 29 watersheds and at least 10 major aquifers in Saskatchewan.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jim Gerhart Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 694-3952 Email: jim.gerhart@swa.ca Cell: (306) 631-9940