MODULE 4 –
The Working Elements of the Agricultural Water Management Strategy 

Module 4: 

• The working elements of a Drainage Approval 

• What should landowners know about getting a drainage approval? 

WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1 video (44:50 mins) & 7 readings       

VIDEO LECTURE 

• Module 4 – The Working Elements of the Agricultural Water Management Strategy Video 

READING MATERIALS 

• Module 4 – The Working Elements of the Agriculture Water Management Strategy Workbook 

• Qualified Persons for Drainage Approvals – This fact sheet provides important information about who a Qualified Person (QP) is, when you need a QP, and what a QP does. 
  
  
• Wetland Retention Requirements – This fact sheet provides important information about wetland retention requirements for landowners who are planning drainage projects.  
  
  
• What is an Adequate Outlet – This fact sheet explains what an adequate outlet is and why its a key requirement in getting a drainage approval.
  

• Land Permission Requirements for Drainage – This fact sheet explains what land permission means, why it is needed and the four types of land permission that WSA will accept for a drainage project. 
  
  
• RMs and Drainage Approvals  – This fact sheet explains what an RM needs to consider when deciding whether to grant land permission for a drainage project. 
  
  
• Channel Clearing, Channelization and Ditch Maintenance – This fact sheet outlines the difference between channel clearing, channelization and ditch maintenance and if a drainage approval is required for each of these activities.  
  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Reading Materials 

• Artificial Blockages in Natural Waterways – Learn about which structures need approval from the Water Security Agency and which ones do not. 
  
  
• Beaver Dam Removal – Learn about environmentally friendly practices to remove a beaver dam and if the removal requires an Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit.  
  
  
• How to Form a C&D – This fact sheet briefly outlines the benefits of forming a C&D, and the legal authority of a C&D.  
  
  
• How to Form a Watershed Association – This fact sheet briefly outlines what a Watershed Association is and the steps to forming a Watershed Association.  
  

Saskatchewan Legislation Related to Conservation and Development Area Authorities and Watershed Associations 

• The Conservation and Development Act – This act provides the legal framework for the establishment and operation of Conservation and Development Areas (C&Ds) in Saskatchewan. 
  
  
• The Conservation and Development Regulation – These regulations outline the rules and powers of C&Ds. 
  
  
• Watershed Associations Act  – These regulations outline the rules and powers of Watershed Associations (WAs). 
  

Webpages  

• WSA’s Agricultural Water Stewardship Policy – Click here to learn more about WSA’s Agricultural Water Stewardship Policy. The policy outlines how WSA drainage approvals will now require wetland retention to be implemented to address the cumulative impacts of drainage on water quantity, water quality, and habitat. 
  
  
• Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association – Click here to learn more about SCDA. 
  
  
• Aquatic Habitat Protection – Click here to learn more about the Water Security Agency’s Aquatic Habitat Protection (AHP) Program and some drainage approvals have AHP Permits.