PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW WATER STRATEGY

Released on April 5, 2002

The provincial government is taking action to ensure safe, high quality

drinking water for the people of Saskatchewan.



"The government accepts the recommendations directed to it in the North

Battleford water inquiry final report," Minister Responsible for Sask Water

Buckley Belanger said. "We encourage the city of North Battleford and

health districts to accept those recommendations directed at them.



"We are also announcing a new province-wide water strategy."



The Report on the Commission of Inquiry into the public drinking water in

North Battleford was released today. Its main recommendations focus on

regulatory improvements at Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan Health

and health districts, increased plant inspection and improving the way

water is managed in North Battleford.



In response to those recommendations, the government has announced a three-

point strategy to secure safe drinking water from source to tap:



1. Enhanced Regulation



The government is adding $2.4 million to increase the number of plant

inspections to an average of one to two per year, improve the provision of

water quality information to the public and regulatory staff, and expand

drinking water safety regulations. This brings the total new funding added

for drinking water regulation to $3.8 million and the total number of new

positions to 33 in the last two budget years.



2. Watershed Protection



The watershed management activities of Sask Water, Saskatchewan Environment

and Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation (SWCC) are being combined

to form a new Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. This new authority will

balance competing water and land uses that impact water quality.



3. Improved Water Treatment Plant Delivery



Sask Water is being restructured to deliver water and wastewater treatment

plant operations and consulting services to Saskatchewan communities and

industries. Its regulatory approval role in constructing water plants is

being transferred to Saskatchewan Environment.



The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program will be a major source of

funding for municipal water capital projects. The program, which is cost-

shared by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, provided $30

million for water and sewer infrastructure in the province during 2001/02.

Belanger said a significant increase in funds for water projects is

anticipated for 2002/03, with details to be announced by the federal and

provincial governments later this month.



In addition to grant programs, the province assists municipal governments

to borrow funds and amortize costs for capital projects through the

Municipal Financing Corporation.



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For more information, contact:



James Millar

Director, Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6349