Whereas farmers in the southwest and throughout Saskatchewan need water for livestock and industrial use on their farms;

Whereas the Government of Saskatchewan has issued an order to discontinue granting permits to supply non-potable water to farms; and

Whereas the cost of supplying potable water to farms can be prohibitive;

Be It Resolved that the Province of Saskatchewan resume granting permits to agencies such as water utility boards and municipalities that are in a position to supply non-potable water to farms.

Response from Honourable Nancy Heppner, Minister of Environment:

The ministry does not regulate untreated water used just for agricultural (irrigation or livestock watering), industrial operations and other "non-potable" uses. However, based on the lessons learned from the waterborne disease outbreaks in North Battleford and Walkerton, Ontario proper treatment and disinfection is vital in protecting human health when these same water supplies are also used for human consumptive purposes.

The ministry understands the cost associated with treating water. We also understand that treating water solely used for agriculture (crop irrigation and livestock watering) and industrial purposes may not be necessary. Therefore, ministry officials are willing to work with regulated parties to resolve regulatory issues for both new and existing water systems.

The ministry encourages municipalities and other regulated parties to contact their local Environmental Project Officers to discuss their specific compliance requirements for waterworks.