PROTECTING OUR WATER – WASCANA CREEK WATERSHED ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Released on November 10, 2004

Local people will take the lead in planning and decision-making for the long-term protection of source water in the Wascana Creek area of the Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed through the Wascana Creek Watershed Advisory Committee.

Three local Watershed Advisory Committees were established in the Qu'Appelle River Watershed earlier this year at the request of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, with representation from rural and urban municipalities, non-government organizations, environmental and agricultural interests and educational institutions. These committees work with technical experts to develop a long-term plan to help guide decision-making at all levels.

"The Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed is one of seven priority planning areas in the province," Minister responsible for the Watershed Authority David Forbes said. "The participation of local leaders in the process helps ensure diverse local perspectives are taken into account as we move forward in implementing the government's Safe Drinking Water Strategy and building a green and prosperous economy."

Planning in the Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed began about one year ago. In spring 2004, members of the three existing Watershed Advisory Committees encouraged the inclusion of Wascana Creek in their watershed planning efforts. The Wascana Creek Watershed Advisory Committee will provide valuable input to the final Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed plan.

"This planning process is built on consensus, partnership and stakeholder involvement," Committee chair Robin Tod said. "Based on our common goals, the final watershed plan will incorporate local decisions and a shared responsibility for the actions the committee identifies."

Community-based information meetings regarding watershed planning in the Wascana Creek area will be held November 15th, 16th and 17th. These meetings will inform stakeholders about the planning process and invite their participation as part of the Wascana Creek Watershed Advisory Committee.

A watershed refers to the geographic area that contributes runoff to a water body. There are 29 watersheds in Saskatchewan. Last fall, the government released Protecting our Water – A Watershed and Aquifer Planning Model for Saskatchewan, which outlined the process for developing local plans to manage and protect source waters. The plan for the Upper Qu'Appelle River Watershed will be developed in accordance with that model.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority was created in 2002 as part of the government's Safe Drinking Water Strategy, with a mandate to manage and protect water quantity and source water quality in the province.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Sharon Rodenbush Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Regina Phone: (306) 787-0913