The provincial government has created a new body which will be responsible for long-term water management issues.

The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency is based in Moose Jaw. It will include all employees from the Watershed Authority as well as water experts in the Agriculture, Environment and Health ministries.

The minister responsible for the new agency, Ken Cheveldayoff says water is a key resource for future economic growth.

"When we look at potash and mining companies and others, we want to be able to make sure that we have the people in place to make the right allocation."

One of the priorities is getting the water to where it is needed for both public and economic purposes.

"Most importantly will be how we divert it. How we take it from Lake Diefenbaker to Buffalo Pound for example," said Cheveldayoff. "That is a study we are just undertaking now to see how we move those resources around in the province."

The Water Security Agency will oversee a number of areas including pipelines, dams, irrigation, safe drinking water and wetland conservation. They are all included in the 25-year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan, which was released on Monday afternoon.

The President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, David Marit is looking forward to an improved and more efficient delivery service.

"We have had issues about establishing rural pipelines, drainage and irrigation projects. So, now we can go to one agency and bring those issues to them."