by Harry Krawchuk, Farmer - Nampa, Alberta
Harry Krawchuk farms in the Nampa district near Peace River, Alberta and is chairman of the local Agriculture Service Board. Here are some of Harry's thoughts presented at the Farm Surface Water Quality Workshop held in Saskatoon in June 1990. This workshop led to the start of Prairie Water News.
Dr. Ellie Prepas from the University of Alberta indicated that the Peace River Region possibly has the most difficult water in Canada. I tend to agree. It is also possible that the difficulty is self inflicted by improper dugout construction and inadequate maintenance. I have heard on numerous occasions, because we have bad water, that the incidence of cancer in the Peace River Region exceeds any other area in Canada. Water quality improvement is vital to this area.
I liked the theme of the workshop "working together to improve surface water quality." I think it was just great! This initiative signified the collective efforts of many, setting out to do something one individual cannot accomplish.
In the area where I farm (south and east of Peace River Valley), wells are virtually non-existent. Surface water is our only source. I have been involved in trying to. find for myself and my area, new ways of revitalizing dugouts. My own dugouts were quite good until a heavy summer rain brought a lot of sediment and colour in 1989. After this I tried unsuccessfully to clear the water with some bluestone, aluminium sulphate and aeration. Finally, I tried the dugout liming treatment developed by the University of Alberta and it effectively cleared the water so it was again usable in the house. Bob Buchanan with Alberta Agriculture conducted the liming demonstration on one of my dugouts and about 25 area farmers attended. Our Agricultural Service Board is looking into a rental lime placing unit.
For farmers to accept new technology it has to be priced right and practical. I think dugout liming fits these parameters. I myself, have lime treated my dugout since the initial demonstration. It should be noted that hydrated lime is a very corrosive chemical. Safety equipment must be worn while handling to protect skin and eyes from chemical burns.
As chairman of our local Agricultural Service Board, it was my responsibility to report on this workshop and to obtain support from my board to establish an area dugout for demonstration.
The workshop has convinced me that a great portion of the farm water quality problem can be resolved by updating our dugouts with proper designs and the adoption of acceptable management practices. I am convinced that the problems lie in: a) the water entering dugouts and not the water that is currently in the dugout, b) few restrictions on location of dugouts, or designs which allow the best quality water to enter the dugout.
A management approach for improving farm dugout water quality is essential. Fanners need assistance in developing better dugout designs which address their particular needs. I feel that the necessary resources of extension people are in place to create awareness and present options on updated design and methods.
This workshop makes me feel comfortable that ongoing research will seek simple and safe ways to enhance surface water quality. I not only recognize my responsibility but that of the farming community to request governments to keep research in place. I believe that human emphasis must change from what we can do to the environment to, what we can do with the environment.
I was impressed with the quality of this workshop and the collective interest of government, researchers and the industry. On behalf of the farming community I would like to express appreciation for your combined efforts to enhance rural living. Thankyou.
