Water Security Agency

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is a unique organization in Canada – bringing together the majority of government’s core water management responsibilities in one place. We manage the province’s water supply, protect water quality, ensure safe drinking water and treatment of wastewater, own and manage dams and
related water supply channels, reduce flood and drought damage, protect aquatic habitat and provide information about water. WSA acts with the authority of The Water Security Agency Act. In addition to WSA, Saskatchewan has several types of groups involved in water management. The type of group formed depends on its objectives and its membership.

Watershed Stewardship Groups

These are non-profit corporations, stakeholder driven, governed by a board that includes local municipal leaders and nongovernmental organizations. Watersheds do not have legal authority, and many are members of Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW). WSA established these groups to do watershed planning and contributes funding for the operation of their office and a paid employee. Watershed groups also receive funding from the Ministry of Agriculture, and in some cases private partners and grants. The watershed plans developed by these groups cover about 89 percent of our population.

Conservation and Development Area Authorities (C&Ds)

Conservation and Development Area Authorities are a form of local government, acting with the legal authority of The Conservation and Development Act. Made up of private landowners, a C&D can fund projects by taxing landowners who will benefit. Establishing a C&D can provide a means for landowners to work together in responding to water management issues.

Watershed Associations

Not to be confused with watershed stewardship groups, watershed associations are a form of local government acting with the legal authority of The Watershed Associations Act. This gives them similar powers to a C&D (to levy taxes, for instance) but their membership is different. Watershed Associations are made up of corporate entities such as RMs, C&Ds and Irrigation Districts. Watershed Associations provide a means for corporate entities to work together on issues like water management and irrigation. Both C&Ds and Watershed Associations can own, operate, and maintain water management projects and works.