The minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan released the findings of a special review of the province's dams earlier this week. Duncan has directed the Watershed Authority to use the results of the review to develop a ten year infrastructure renewal plan for the province's water management structures.
"A secure and sustainable water supply is essential to support Saskatchewan's continued economic growth," Duncan states. "Creating a ten year infrastructure renewal plan will not only ensure that we have reliable water supplies and effective flood protection long into the future, it will give Saskatchewan a more effective planning process for rehabilitation of our dams and water management structures."
As part of the review, Minister Duncan also asked the Watershed Authority to inspect all dams affected by high water levels and high water flows in 2011. These special inspections were designed to identify any immediate actions needed as a result of unprecedented runoff and rainfall. Although the Watershed Authority did note minor damage related to this year's flooding at several dams that would need to be addressed in the short term, the overall conclusion of the review was that Saskatchewan's water management infrastructure performed extremely well under challenging circumstances in 2011. The government is providing the Watershed Authority with an additional $1.9 million this year for urgent repairs that were identified as part of this process.
Overall, the review found that no substantive reduction in the safety of the Watershed Authority's dams occurred as a direct result of the flooding in 2011.
However, as suggested by the government's initiation of a ten year infrastructure renewal program, the review does suggest that upgrades are required over the long term to ensure Saskatchewan water management infrastructure remains safe and effective for decades into the future.
The review initiated by Minister Duncan also included a request to examine operations at Saskatchewan's major dams (Gardiner, Rafferty, Alameda and Boundary). In response to the Watershed Authority's internal review, the minister announced the engagement of two respected hydrologists at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. John Pomeroy and Dr. Kevin Shook, to review operations of Gardiner Dam over the past year. In addition, the Watershed Authority has been directed by the minister to work with the International Souris River Board and the International Joint Commission to undertake a review of operations in the Souris Watershed (i.e. Rafferty, Alameda and Boundary dams).
"Floods of this magnitude are rare events," Duncan said. "These operational reviews will provide an independent and public process to learn from the experience this year and be better prepared for similar events in the future."
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 on the Watershed Authority or the special dam review visit www.swa.ca.
