Flexible Irrigation Water Use in Saskatchewan 

Managing water is important for any farm in Saskatchewan. As irrigation expands and producers look for ways to improve efficiency, the focus is shifting from simply having water available to using licensed water more effectively.

The Flexible Irrigation Water Use Policy gives eligible producers more flexibility in how they use their licensed water allocation across their operations. Rather than increasing water use, the policy allows producers to make more efficient use of the water already authorized under their license while remaining within their approved allocation.

The policy is intended for areas of the province where additional water allocations are no longer available for new irrigation development.  

It is being rolled out in stages, beginning with select projects in the Saskatoon Southeast Water Supply System (SSEWSS). The SSEWSS is a major reservoir and canal-based water supply system that delivers water from Lake Diefenbaker to municipalities, industry, rural users, irrigation developments, and other users across central Saskatchewan. 

By planning water-use carefully and applying water where it delivers the most value, producers can improve efficiency without increasing overall water use. 

Potential benefits include:

• More adaptable irrigation planning 
• Improved use of existing licensed water 
• Opportunities to bring additional acres into irrigated production 
• Better alignment between water use, crop needs and field conditions 

Flexible water use depends on accurate monitoring and responsible reporting. 

Participating irrigators are required to track and report their water use to WSA. Reporting frequency will be determined by WSA using a risk-based approach and may be required more frequently than under traditional licensing arrangements.  

To support accurate reporting and compliance with licensed water allocations, participating producers may be required to use modern monitoring tools, including: 

• flow meters with telemetry; and
• systems that allow WSA remote access to water-use data. 

These tools provide reliable water-use information, help ensure compliance with license conditions and support responsible water management. Effective monitoring also protects the water resource, strengthens public confidence and provides valuable information on how irrigation water is being used in practice.

The Flexible Irrigation Water Use Policy is only available in areas of Saskatchewan where no additional water is available for new irrigation licenses. It is designed to help eligible producers make more efficient use of their existing licensed water supply, rather than increase overall water withdrawals.

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered based on factors such as:

• Local water availability and existing allocations
• System capacity and infrastructure requirements
• Environmental considerations and potential downstream impacts

This review process helps ensure that irrigation flexibility is balanced with responsible water management and the long-term stewardship of Saskatchewan’s water resources. 

Producers interested in applying can express their interest to WSA Client Services by phone at 866.727.5420 or by email at client.service@wsask.ca. 

Once interest is received, WSA’s irrigation development staff will follow up with the producer to discuss the proposal, confirm what information is needed and explain the application and review process. 

There is no guarantee of approval. All applications are subject to review and evaluation by WSA, including consideration of water availability, infrastructure capacity, environmental factors, and compliance with licensing requirements.