Frequently Asked Questions

You should notify the Water Security Agency by downloading and filling out a Request for Assistance form. WSA’s response to drainage complaints now focuses on achieving compliance.  When WSA receives a request for assistance, it will confirm that there are drainage works and whether they are approved.  If they are not approved the owner of the works has a period of time to obtain an approval or be required to close the works.

The Farm Stewardship Program (FSP) provides eligible Saskatchewan producers with financial assistance to implement beneficial management practices (BMPs) to help maintain or improve the quality of soil, water, air, or biodiversity resources.

Watershed stewardship groups will occasionally provide QP support for large drainage network projects.

Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program

Approval holders may be required to install and operate structures to control the release of water from a drain.  In order to prevent drained water adding to flood peaks, higher risk activities will be required to install permanent flow restriction structures, such as suitably sized culverts or gates.

Drainage approvals will assess downstream impacts, risk, and the best practices used in the design and construction of the project. The types of practices required would depend on the size of the project and where it is located in the province.

Yes, some sort of land control written agreement will be required, such as a registered easement or through joint applications with other landowners.

All drainage works need an approval regardless of when they were built. No unapproved works are grandfathered. Drainage works built pre-1981 also need an approval.

In the past, poorly designed drainage projects resulted in negative impacts associated with flooding, water quality and habitat. The new approach will help landowners manage water while improving crop productivity and addressing the impacts on neighbouring landowners and the environment.

Drainage can take any forms:

• Open ditch
• V-ditch
• Wetland infill
• Channelization
• Dyking
• Pumping
• Tile drainage

Drainage is the removal or minimizing the amount of water from land, and includes the deepening, straightening, widening and diversion of the course of a stream, creek, or other watercourse, as well as the construction of dykes.

Without land control, your drainage project may be closed. The holder of the drainage approval is responsible for providing evidence of land control to WSA, when requested.  For example, where a drainage Request for Assistance has been accepted by the WSA, the WSA will require proof of the written land control agreement.  Where evidence cannot be provided, WSA may order closure of the works.

Yes. Various forms of land control are used when drainage impacts land downstream. From highest to lowest degree of control, the range is:

• Ownership of land
• An easement registered on title to the land
• Joint application
• Written agreement between landowners

The form of land control required will depend on the complexity of the project.

All drainage projects must have land control to minimize downstream risks. Where the approval holders do not own or hold easements over land that is affected by drainage onto, across or into ditches that flow downstream, a written agreement will be the minimum requirement.

Land control refers to ownership or interest in lands. In the context of drainage, land control is achieved through some sort of written agreement.

A Qualified Person (QP) is a drainage expert recognized by the WSA who is a Professional Engineer, Professional Agrologist, Applied Science Technologist or other person who assists with the preparation of a drainage application or report.

QPs can carry out a wide range of activities on behalf of drainage applicants.

• Act as communicators liaising between applicants, WSA and other stakeholders.
• Assist with completing applications and forms, and assist landowners with obtaining documents necessary for securing land control.
• Function as project managers to assist with scheduling, budgeting and project planning.

Most drainage projects, except for those with less than one-quarter section of drainage, will require a QP to prepare the application for a drainage approval. In practical terms, most projects except those with a very small amount of drainage will require a QP. Typically, the drainage applicant or drainage proponent hires and pays the QP.

It is your responsibility to ensure you check a QP’s background, as you bear the ongoing responsibility of the operation and maintenance of the approved drainage works.

Checklist

• Current resume – check the QP’s background and verify their credentials.
• List of references – names and phone numbers of previous clients for a basic reputational/area of practice reference check.
• Proof of insurance – a QP should carry professional liability insurance to protect their clients from unforeseen events that can occur during the project.
• Ask for a quote – discuss the costs and payment options.
• Get a written contract – insist on a detailed contract before proceeding with any drainage related work.

Hiring a QP is an investment in the range of a few dollars per acre. Typically, the drainage applicant or drainage proponent hires and pays the QP.