CONTENTSINTRODUCTION ................................................................... 1HIGHLIGHTS ........................................................................ 2MANITOBA’S WATER RESOURCES ................................4APPLYING THE POLICIES:Policy Area 1: <strong>Water</strong> Quality ............................................. 6Policy Area 2: Conservation ............................................ 18Policy Area 3: Use and Allocation ................................... 28Policy Area 4: <strong>Water</strong> Supply ........................................... 40Policy Area 5: Flooding ................................................... 50Policy Area 6: Drainage ................................................... 58Policy Area 7: Education ................................................. 73MANITOBA’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY .......................................................................... 82PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES OF SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT ................................................................. 84MANITOBA WATER POLICIES ...................................... 85
INTRODUCTIONHistorically, <strong>Manitoba</strong>ns have <strong>of</strong>ten taken ourwater resources for granted. There was a tendency toview water as a commodity to be used as needed. Thevalue <strong>of</strong> water for fish and wildlife habitat and forrecreation was not truly considered. <strong>Water</strong> managementwas <strong>of</strong>ten approached in a reactionary manner toaddress only the short term benefits. <strong>Water</strong> qualitywas virtually ignored until recent years.During the 1980's there was growing public awarenessand concern about the environment. We recognizedthat environmental management, conservation,and economic development are interdependent andmutually reinforcing. We realized that we must shiftour thinking from that <strong>of</strong> assessing development forthe short term to understanding its future benefits andimpacts.Towards a Sustainable Development StrategyIn 1989, as part <strong>of</strong> its vision to achieve sustainabledevelopment, the <strong>Government</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Manitoba</strong> began thepreparation <strong>of</strong> a strategy that would comprehensivelyaddress management and development <strong>of</strong> land andwater resources. <strong>Water</strong> was selected as the firstresource to be addressed, since its management affectsall other resources. Work on complementary strategieson soils, forests, minerals, natural lands and specialplaces, wildlife, and fisheries has already begun.All <strong>Manitoba</strong>ns have a stake in water management.Success is contingent on public awareness, participation,and support. The <strong>Manitoba</strong> Round Table onEnvironment and Economy prepared draft policies andimplemented a broad-based public consultationprocess to obtain feedback on the views <strong>of</strong> the public.The policies were mailed throughout the province andresponses were received through questionnaires, workshops,and formal presentations.Environment and Economy in a publication titled“Land and <strong>Water</strong> Strategy, What You Told Us”.<strong>Manitoba</strong> <strong>Water</strong> <strong>Policies</strong>The water policies presented in this publication area synthesis <strong>of</strong> public and government input into themanagement <strong>of</strong> our water resources. These policiesare consistent with the Federal <strong>Water</strong> Policy whichviews water as both a key to environmental health andwell being and as a scarce commodity that must bemanaged in a sustainable manner.The <strong>Government</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Manitoba</strong> adopted these waterpolicies in 1990. The policies are not an end to themselves,but represent a commitment to a process thatwill result in programs and initiatives designed toensure the sustainable development <strong>of</strong> our waterresources.Application <strong>of</strong> these policies is a responsibility thatmust be shared. The policies will guide a variety <strong>of</strong>land and water uses and activities throughout<strong>Manitoba</strong>. All stakeholders including resource owners,managers, and users have important roles to play. Wemust ensure these policies are applied in all phases <strong>of</strong>water management from planning to decision-making.The job <strong>of</strong> policy application belongs to everyone.<strong>Government</strong> agencies must work in partnership withan informed public. Application <strong>of</strong> these policies willinvolve rural municipalities, local government districts,conservation districts, local soil and water interestgroups, nature groups, private organizations, developers,businesses, and the general public.Development <strong>of</strong> our water resources can be sustainableif the responsibility is shared by everyone.The results <strong>of</strong> the process yielded more than half amillion words <strong>of</strong> written material expressing theknowledge and insights <strong>of</strong> people throughout<strong>Manitoba</strong>. The experience confirmed that the publicwas very interested in managing our water and soilresources and demonstrated the value <strong>of</strong> adopting apublic consultation process to address future land andwater issues. The revised policies were recommendedto the government by the <strong>Manitoba</strong> Round Table on1
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