Industrial Applications and Forms

The Water Security Agency (WSA) provides support and advice for industries in Saskatchewan wanting to develop in and around communities and rural municipalities. From mining to canola crushing facilities and all other industries and manufacturers that use water to create a product, WSA can help navigate the guidelines and regulations that must be followed to ensure our water resources are managed properly.

Requesting a water allocation review from WSA is the first step to ensure industries will have the needed water supply.

For more information on water allocation, please click here.

Temporary Water Rights Licence for Industrial Water Use

A Temporary Water Rights Licence grants permission to use a specific volume of water for short-term use. A Temporary Water Rights Licence is required for industries using water for temporary processing operations, including:

• mineral exploration and mining;
• oil exploration and recovery;
• manufacturing;
• gravel washing;
• road construction;
• hydraulic pressure testing;
• thermal power generation; and,
• other purposes the Water Security Agency may designate

To apply for a Temporary Water Rights Licence, please visit http://products.wsask.ca/

Surface Water Approval Process

An Approval to Construct Works leading to a Water Right and Approval to Operate Works is required for any works where water is to be diverted or impounded from or within its natural channel or bed. WSA policy states any use that will consume greater than 5 cubic decameters (4 acre-feet) will require an approval.

Groundwater Approval Process

Any use of groundwater, except for domestic uses, requires a Water Rights Licence. A groundwater investigation is to ensure that the ground water source can sustain the proposed development, without any adverse impacts on the source or existing ground water users.

Industrial Water Use Charges

The Water Security Agency maintains a schedule of charges for the use of water by industries to reflect and emphasize the value of water, promote wise water usage and help offset the costs of managing our water resources. The application of charges may vary based on the use of the water and the source of the water. Agricultural industrial water users, including intensive livestock operations, and industries connected to and supplied water directly from municipal waterworks systems are currently exempt from charges.