SASKATCHEWAN

Water Security Agency

Hydraulic Jets

What are Hydraulic Jets?

Hydraulic jets have many brand names (Aqua Blaster, Aqua Thruster, HydroSweep, etc.) but they all act to create a powerful water current. They are commonly attached to a dock and operate in a sweeping action to keep the adjacent surface water clear of accumulations of floating plants, algae and debris. Be aware that the improper installation or use of a hydraulic jet that disrupts the lakebed sediment or uproots or damages aquatic plants is contrary to provincial legislation.   

Water Quality and Habitat

Aquatic plants are a natural part of most aquatic ecosystems and they have an important role to play in the health of our lakes and rivers. The aquatic vegetation on the lakebed and along a shoreline contributes to the health of lakes and rivers by filtering runoff, capturing or settling disturbed sediment and providing habitat for fish and other aquatic species. In fact, some fish species use aquatic plants directly for spawning by attaching their eggs to them. The improper use of a hydraulic jet (i.e., when it is directed at the lakebed or installed too close to the lakebed) can result in the displacement or dredging of the lakebed sediment, a decrease in water clarity (increase in the turbidity), the release of nutrients stored in the lakebed sediments and uprooting of aquatic plants.   

Environmental Management and Protection Act 

Most shorelines, which include the bed, bank and boundary of any water body in Saskatchewan, are Crown lands and are protected under The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010 (EMPA). Under EMPA, any person planning work in or near a water body or watercourse must contact the Water Security Agency to: 

  • alter the bed, bank or boundary of a water body or watercourse;
  • remove or add material to the bed, bank or boundary of a water body or watercourse; or 
  • remove vegetation from the bed, bank or boundary of a water body or watercourse. 

When using a hydraulic jet, ensure it is placed high enough off the lakebed so that it does not disturb the bottom or uproot aquatic plants. It should be directed upward or parallel with the water’s surface, which can prevent floating plants, algae and other debris from collecting around docks and boat lifts. The installation of a hydraulic jet with the intent to dredge or displace lakebed sediment and remove rooted aquatic vegetation would be considered an alteration of the lakebed and would not be permitted.

Installation Requirements

There may be some sites where proper installation and operation cannot be achieved because of the local site conditions; however, hydraulic jets can be installed without requiring an Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit if:

  • The power head is installed at least 60 centimeters (24 inches) off the lake bottom;
  • The power head is installed parallel to the lake surface; and
  • The water current is not directed at the shoreline or into shallow water areas.

Minimize disturbance to neighboring properties by directing hydraulic jets towards open water. While nobody owns the lake, everyone has the right to enjoy it.

Contact Information:

Water Security Agency, Aquatic Habitat Protection 
300-2365 Albert Street 
Regina, SK S4P 4K1 
306.787.0726 

Also Contact: Your local municipal authority, provincial or regional parks and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans may have legislation/regulation or bylaws that govern the use of hydraulic jets in your area.

Definitions: 

Bed: That portion of the water body typically (but not always) covered by water. 

Bank:  The rising ground bordering a water body that serves to confine the water to a channel or bed. 

Boundary:  The line or elevation contour surrounding a water body or watercourse where the aquatic vegetation and terrestrial plant species known to tolerate water saturated soils change entirely to terrestrial vegetation tolerating little or no soil saturation and includes a minimum surrounding area of five meters measured outward from the top of the bank.