March 11, 2024

The Water Security Agency (WSA) works to ensure that all drainage works in Saskatchewan are in compliance with The Water Security Agency Act and associated Regulations. Since 2015, all drainage works, including those that were exempted in 1981, require approval. Under WSA’s Compliance Framework Policy, a variety of activities can initiate a compliance response, including through Request For Assistance (RFA) which is legislated under Section 80 of The Water Security Agency Act. Through the RFA process, the Respondent (i.e., registered owner of the land with the drainage works) is informed of options to bring drainage works into compliance. The RFA respondent can choose to get the drainage works approved within a given time and continue to benefit from these works, or they can voluntarily close the drainage works. If the RFA respondent is unsuccessful in pursuing an approval, o if they prefer to restore the works to natural conditions, they can choose to voluntarily close their drainage works. In cases where drainage works are being constructed within municipal infrastructure and on private lands without the authorization from WSA, an RFA may be submitted to WSA such that the agency can conduct necessary investigations and pursue appropriate actions. The agency’s risk-based approach to compliance allows proper allocation of resources and determines appropriate compliance and enforcement activity.

Hon. David Marit – Minister of Agriculture