A plan for water management and the protection of water in Saskatchewan is in the works, as is an all encompassing water agency to implement it.

Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Ken Cheveldayoff, says the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan will ensure our water supply is secure now and in years to come.

The goals of the plan are sustainable water supplies, safe drinking water, protection of water, safe and sustainable water management infrastructure, flood and drought mitigation, reliable data and information, and effective governance and engagement.

The public can provide input until the end of August. You can check out the plan on the watershed's website. www.swa.ca

Integrated Water Saskatchewan will be a Treasury Board Crown Corporation that will consolidate anything water-related under one umbrella.

Cheveldayoff says right now there are 8 areas of government that address water issues, depending on the situation, but new legislation to be introduced this fall for a water agency would change that.

David Marit, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, says a long term plan is something they have been suggesting for awhile now.

He is also in agreement with implementing the IWS, because right now depending on the water issue, like pipeline or drainage issues, or work the municipalities have to do, you might be heading to different Ministries.

Consultations on the long term plan will be completed this summer, and then it is expected the final document will be announced this fall.

(ct july24/12)