Review for water authorities

Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan today announced a has review of the province's water management infrastructure and its current operations.

"In light of unprecedented flooding this year, I have directed officials at the Watershed Authority to take additional measures to review the impact record runoff and rainfall may have had on our water management structures," Duncan said. "Saskatchewan people depend on this infrastructure not only for flood prevention and mitigation, but also irrigation, drinking water supply and recreational activities. It is essential that we make every effort to examine operations and determine any rehabilitation needs that may have resulted from such a record year."

As part of the review, Minister Duncan has also directed the Watershed Authority to conduct additional work in four main areas:

Undertake special inspections on dams that experienced unusually high water flows or reservoir levels in 2011 (see attached backgrounder for list of dams).

Use inspection findings and ongoing monitoring and assessments to identify the long-term infrastructure renewal needs of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority's dams.

Review and recommend upgrades to the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority's Dam Safety Program.

Review and make recommendations on operations at Gardiner, Rafferty, Alameda and Boundary dams.

This review will accelerate and build on the extensive dam safety and infrastructure rehabilitation programs already in place at the Watershed Authority. These extra measures are precautionary steps due to the extreme water levels experienced this year. SaskPower will also conduct inspections and review its dams, including Boundary Dam.

The initial review period will last until the end of September. At that time the Watershed Authority will report to Minister Duncan with observations and recommendations resulting from the additional inspections and work undertaken during the review.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority leads management of the province's water resources to ensure safe water sources and reliable water supplies for economic, environmental and social benefits for Saskatchewan people. For more information visit www.swa.ca.