Spring runoff prediction shows dry conditions in south Sask.

It could be another dry summer in Southern Saskatchewan.

The Water Security Agency released its preliminary predictions for the spring runoff Thursday, which project below-normal levels for southern regions due to a lack of snow.

Areas such as Regina, Moose Jaw, Estevan and Weyburn could even be well-below normal runoff.

The northern parts of the province are expected to have near normal runoff, with certain areas having above normal.

The dry conditions in the south began in the summer, which was one of the driest ever.

Overall, Saskatchewan has received about half of the normal amount of moisture it would normally receive from September to the beginning of February.

Patrick Boyle, a spokesperson for the Water Security Agency, said there were some water supply issues in the agriculture sector at the end of 2017, particularly in the southwest.

“That’s kind of an area that we’re going to be looking at.”

Boyle said their regional office in Swift Current has done total dissolved solids tests, which measure the salt content to determine the quality of the water.

He said they are looking at having that service available to producers.

Along with farmers, municipalities with service water systems could be affected by the dry weather.

“Looking at the mapping, and where the dry areas are, and who pulls surface water supplies from where, and starting the conversations of ‘Do you have an adequate supply? What is that looking like? How are we going forward?’”

Boyle said most places have a fairly adequate supply of water right now.

The Quill Lakes area has been dealing with recent flooding. Boyle said there should be some receding in that area due to the lack of runoff this year.

Boyle noted the prediction could change if a large snowfall takes place in the province.

He noted Saskatchewan sees just under half of its winter precipitation in February, March, April and sometimes in May.