WATER MANAGEMENT
KAP working on challenges of
ON-FARM WATER MANAGEMENT
BY JILL WINZOSKI
The issues of drainage and water management are fraught
with complexities and challenges, and that doesn’t appear to be
changing any time soon.
KAP has been in discussion with the province
Manitoba Farmers’ Voice spoke with KAP president Bill
Campbell for insight into some of the water management regulation
issues farmers face.
regarding upcoming changes to water management
regulations, and some of the details
have already raised concerns, said Campbell.
“Whether or not those concerns will
be addressed when the regulations are
announced, or what the process will be, remains to be seen,”
Campbell said.
One of KAP’s concerns is how equitably and consistently
regulations are enforced. Campbell said certain parts of the
province have developed a very intensive drainage and water
management area, while other regions have tried to implement
similar strategies, but have faced roadblocks.
However, Campbell understands the province’s difficulty
with finding a set of rules to accommodate everyone, since the
landscape is so varied across the province.
“The northern part of the province, and even the southwest,
have significant wetlands, but it’s the smaller (wetlands)
that agriculture wants to be able to utilize,” said
Campbell. “It’s good dirt, and it’s good for everything in
terms of resource management.”
In terms of implementing rules, Campbell said there isn’t
a one-size-fits-all solution.
“You have to get out on the landscape and see what farmers
are trying to do,” he said.
According to Campbell, the province plans to classify
lands under the province’s Water Rights Act, which he commends.
“I think that’s a good way to handle it,” he said. “That way
Class 1 and 2 lands won’t have as many restrictions placed on
them, which will help simplify the process.”
Continued on page 17
Manitoba Farmers’ Voice § Spring 2019 § 15