News

Today, the Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency (WSA) David Marit joined stakeholders to mark significant progress on the $12 million Buffalo Pound Dam upgrades. Major rehabilitation work has been completed, and key infrastructure improvements are nearing completion, strengthening dam safety, improving flood resilience and supporting long-term water security for communities across south-central Saskatchewan.

“Buffalo Pound Dam plays a vital role in supporting communities, industry and agriculture,” Marit said. “This project will help ensure the dam continues to operate safely and reliably for years to come.”

Buffalo Pound Lake supplies water to about 25 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population, including the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw, nearby communities and many industries in the region. It also provides water for two potash mines and other industrial facilities that create billions in economic activity for Saskatchewan.

“Water security is fundamental to the economic strength and future growth of our city,” Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock said. “The upgrades at Buffalo Pound Dam will help provide the reliable water supply our businesses, industries and residents depend on, while supporting continued investment, job creation and economic growth across the region.”

“Buffalo Pound Lake is an important resource for the RM of Moose Jaw and our region,” Reeve of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Moose Jaw Ron Brumwell said. “The people, businesses and industries that help sustain our local economy depend on a reliable water supply every day. These upgrades help protect that reliability and support continued growth and opportunity for our communities well into the future.”

Key projects completed or underway at Buffalo Pound Dam include:

• Emergency Spillway Upgrades: Crews restored the spillway to its original height and strengthened the area below the dam with protective rock. These improvements help the dam safely handle high water levels and reduce erosion during flooding events.
• Control Structure and Safety Upgrades: This project is replacing aging mechanical, electrical and concrete infrastructure. Work includes new control building, upgraded equipment used to operate the dam, backup power generation, a safety boom system and improvements to water control and fish passage systems. The project is almost complete.
• Erosion and Seepage Repairs: Crews are stabilizing sections of the dam, addressing and repairing affected areas to maintain the long-term safety and integrity of the structure.
• Bridge Deck Repair: Repairs to bridge joints and concrete have been completed, and the bridge surface was repaved to improve long-term durability.
• Monitoring and Performance Improvements: New monitoring equipment is being installed to track water flows and assess the condition and performance of the dam, supporting ongoing safety assessments and long-term reliability.

In addition to the dam upgrades, construction is expected to begin this month on repairs and upgrades to the Upper Qu’Appelle River channel between the Qu’Appelle River Dam and Tugaske Bridge. The work will improve water flow between Lake Diefenbaker and Buffalo Pound Lake while reducing erosion along the river.

The Buffalo Pound Dam upgrades are part of the province’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure. In 2026-27, nearly $40 million has been invested in more than 60 water infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan.

The Water Security Agency manages Saskatchewan’s water supply and owns and operates more than 70 dams, as well as reservoirs and water supply channels, that support communities, industry and the environment across the province.

To learn more and view photos of the dam upgrades, click here. 

For more information, contact:
WSA Communications comm@wsask.ca
1.866.727.5420