Released on September 21, 2007
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and the South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards Inc. have signed a funding agreement to begin the implementation of the South Saskatchewan River Source Water Protection Plan.
Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority John Nilson and South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards Inc. interim chair Harold Martens participated in a signing ceremony in Outlook today.
"The participants in the planning areas of the watershed should be proud of this significant achievement," Nilson said. "Their dedication and hard work, along with the activities of other organizations, will ensure the protection and sound management of source water for all residents of the South Saskatchewan River Watershed."
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority will provide $50,000 to assist with the salary, office and travel expenses associated with hiring a local co-ordinator to oversee implementation of the source water protection plan. A number of key actions to address impacts on water quality and quantity in the watershed are contained within the plan. Public education initiatives and ecosystem health are key components of the plan as well.
The development of source water protection plans is a priority of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, which has a mandate to manage and protect the quality and quantity of the province's water supplies.
The South Saskatchewan River Watershed Source Water Protection Plan is available online at www.swa.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Olson
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-1364
Email: jeff.olson@swa.ca
Cell: 306-621-7850