SASKATCHEWAN

Water Security Agency

Overview

If you don’t know which permits or approvals you need for your project or business, start with this page.

Find your activity or business in the links below:

Please note: the advice on this page applies only to the regulatory requirements of the Water Security Agency. Other federal, provincial, or municipal agencies or departments may have other requirements you will need to meet before work can begin. 

This information on this page is also available as a Fact Sheet: Introduction to Water Regulations

Draining Water

If you are…

  • Draining water off a legal parcel of land
  • Draining into a Conservation and Development Authority (C&D)
  • Deepening or straightening a creek

Then you may need –

  • Drainage Approval. Please visit Agricultural Drainage for more information and fact sheets about drainage. All drainage needs approval. No existing drainage is grandfathered. Qualified persons are available to help you with the legal and technical work of drainage approvals.
  • Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit. Please see Aquatic Habitat Protection for complete information.

Developing Near Water

If you are… 

  • Constructing a bridge or culvert across water
  • Building a boat launch or marina
  • Changing the bank of a lake, river, or creek
  • Adding material to the bank, including rock, sand or gravel
  • Removing vegetation in, or near, water
  • Channel clearing

…then you may need an Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit. See Aquatic Habitat Protection for complete information, fact sheets, application form and information about when you do NOT need a permit. 

If you are building a permanent water intake – you may need –

Providing Water and Wastewater Services

If you are constructing or operating a water or wastewater treatment plant, or a water distribution system or pipeline, then you may need:

If you are septic hauling – you may need a Permit to Transport and Dispose of Liquid Domestic Sewage.

Using Pesticides or Chemicals Near Water

If you are controlling…

  • Aquatic vegetation in lakes, rivers, creeks, or canals
  • Right of way vegetation
  • Forestry pests

Then you may need a Permit to Apply a Pesticide and/or Chemical In or Near Surface Water. See A Guide to Aquatic Nuisances and Their Control.

Using, Taking, Storing, or Hauling Water

If you are using water from a lake, river or creek for industry, agriculture, municipalities, multi-user projects, etc. then you may need:

Domestic Purpose Water Use explains when you do NOT need a Water Rights Licence and/or Approval.

If you are using well water for industry, agriculture, municipalities, businesses, multi-user projects, etc. then you may need:

If you are digging a dugout, then you may need:

Domestic Purpose Water Use explains when you do NOT need a Water Rights Licence and/or Approval. 

If you are building a dam, then you may need:

If you are drilling a well, then you may need:

If you are developing or constructing a new RM tank fill, then you may need a Water Rights Licence and Approval to Construct and Operate Works. The Application for Water Rights Licence and Approval to Construct and Operate Works (RG-103) explains the process and regulatory requirements. 

If you are hauling water to a rig or oilfield, then your customer will need a Temporary Water Rights Licence for Industrial Water Use

If you are hauling water commercially for domestic use, please contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority for more information.

Developing Near One of Seven Reservoirs Owned by the Water Security Agency

You will need a [Reservoir] Development Permit if you are planning development near one of these seven reservoirs:

  • Avonlea Creek
  • Blackstrap
  • Bradwell
  • Brightwater
  • Dellwood
  • Lake Diefenbaker
  • Zelma

Development includes:

  • subdivision of land
  • sale of Crown land
  • constructing a house, shop or cottage, or a public facility like a boat launch or marina.

Go to Reservoir Development Area for more information.