Estimates vary, but at least some of Manitoba's water problems stem from the ongoing and largely uncontrolled drainage of wetlands across the Prairies. Wetland loss in the Red River Valley since the late 1800s is estimated at 90 per cent. Losses across the Prairies range from 40 to 70 per cent. The province launched a surface-water-management policy consultation last April as part of a number of initiatives analyzing how this province can better manage water quantity -- be that shortages or excess -- and water quality. A new strategy is due to be released in the spring of 2013.
It needs to be said we wouldn't have much for agriculture in this province without drainage. Until very recently, water management was synonymous with how to build bigger, better and more efficient ditches, ranging from Duff's Ditch right on down to field drains on individual farms. On the surface, attitudes are changing. But they have a long way to go. Whatever emerges by way of policy is bound to be divisive.
Even though there are now regulations requiring farmers to obtain a licence to undertake drainage, there's widespread acknowledgment among farmers and municipal leaders enforcement is a joke. It's common for farmers speaking at public meetings to brag their personal policy is to drain now and ask forgiveness later.
"The big problem is enforcement is lacking," Souris-area producer and farm leader Walter Finlay told the farm writers. Farmers commonly say they are just 'cleaning out' a ditch. But, "I've seen situations where you couldn't see the top of the exhaust pipe on a four-wheel-drive tractor."...
The Red River in flood in April 2009 at St. Andrews, shot by J Hazard, public domain
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