Irrigated Tile Drainage Water Quality Study
Irrigated Tile Drainage Water Quality Study
The Water Security Agency is partnering to launch a four-year research project to assess how tile drainage affects downstream water quality. Tile drainage systems improve soil conditions and crop yield and are an important tool for managing water in both dryland and irrigated fields. The use of this practice is expanding but is currently only used on a small percentage of crop land acres in the province. This study will help us better understand water quality considerations and guide efforts to support sustainable development while protecting downstream water.
What is the project?
WSA and partners will monitor water flow, water quality and nutrient levels at field-edge tile drainage outlets and downstream locations from 2025 to 2027. Monitoring will include soil and crop data to better understand how irrigation, tile layout and land management affect runoff.
There will be two focus areas including Spring Creek (near Outlook) and in the Riverhurst Irrigation District. In addition to the work at Outlook and Riverhurst, WSA has initiated another tile drainage water quality study at a research farm near Prince Albert (Conservation Learning Centre). This complementary work will help further our understanding of how to manage tile drainage in ways that protect water quality.
How will this benefit producers and the public?
The findings will help guide best practices for designing and managing tile drainage to reduce environmental risk while maintaining productivity. Data will inform future approvals, address stakeholder concerns, and support water stewardship efforts in irrigated areas. WSA will work with landowners, municipalities, irrigation districts, and industry stakeholders to ensure the study reflects real-world conditions and supports practical decision-making. Regular updates, meetings and field visits will be offered to share findings and gather feedback.
Questions?
Contact our Client Service Agents at client.service@wsask.ca or 1.866.727.5420.
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