Below normal runoff anticipated this spring: WSA

Unless Saskatchewan gets some more snow over the coming weeks, there could be some surface water shortages come summer.

Dry conditions during the summer and fall combined with below normal precipitation this winter are the reason most of the province will see below normal spring runoff, according to the Water Security Agency.

It released its preliminary outlook into the 2019 spring runoff this week.

A central band across the province and the southwest corner will receive near-normal levels of runoff. An area including Regina and Yorkton will receive well below normal levels of runoff.

There were record dry conditions in some areas in southern Saskatchewan this past summer. This led to dry soil conditions when the winter freeze occurred.

It is anticipated farmers will face the same water supply shortages seen in 2018. Surface water supply issues could also be seen in municipalities and irrigators.

The outlook could change as there is eight to 10 weeks of winter left. If things don’t change, the Water Security Agency will be aggressive in storing water during the snowmelt period to ensure supplies are adequate and lake levels are desirable for recreational uses.