Almost three-quarters of reservoirs in Saskatchewan will be full by seeding time, but the southwest remains dry.On Wednesday, the Water Security Agency (WSA) provided an update on the status of Saskatchewan's reservoirs.Overall, 33 out of 45 major reservoirs are near full or are expected to fill, while another six reservoirs are between 70 to 90% full and still filling. The remaining six reservoirs will likely not completely fill, most of which are in southwestern Saskatchewan.Over the winter, WSA implemented a conservative operating plan at Lake Diefenbaker to retain and store water ahead of possible dry conditions this spring. Saskatchewan's largest reservoir, Lake Diefenbaker, supplies more than 60% of the province's water supply needs. Levels were brought up earlier than normal to maximize supply. Other major reservoirs are currently at or near full as a result of good water management practices and sound decision making. As April begins, Lake Diefenbaker is more than one metre higher than it was at this time last year and more than 1.5 metres higher than the same time in 2022.Over the winter, snowpack conditions ranged from below normal to well-below normal. While runoff conditions can change during late winter and spring, WSA will continue to monitor moisture and forecasted weather patterns and adjust operating plans accordingly.WSA said ensuring Saskatchewan's water resources are sustainable, adaptable and reliable is the agency's top priority and that WSA will keep working with communities, producers and stakeholders to manage our water resources for the benefit of all Saskatchewan people.WSA provides regular updates to runoff conditions as they develop with the Runoff Report.
