What Can Government Do For You and Your Water?

by Richard L. Pasquill, Manitoba Water Services Board Brandon, Manitoba

Like other government extension programs that provide technical assistance to farmers in their livestock and cropping enterprises, assistance is also provided free of charge to farmers in the development of adequate water sources. When sufficient amounts of good quality water are made available to farmers, their potential farming operations are expanded and their chances of success are greatly enhanced. For example, a cattle operator may have the best cattle with an abundance of feed and pasture, but if the water supply is limited, the potential size of his cattle operation will be seriously restricted. In addition, reduced gains, due to poor feed conversion and higher operating costs, will make a long-term viable cattle operation nearly impossible. By providing technical and financial assistance, farmers are encouraged to install the proper water systems to meet their present and future water requirements.

Although financial assistance (in the form of grants or rebates) is often made available to assist farmers with the costs of installing an adequate water system, the technical assistance available for the development, mechanization, and management of a water source is by far more important. If proper decisions are not made, the usefulness and life expectancy of the system may be severely hampered leaving little room for farm growth. While most plumbers and contractors are very conscientious and knowledgeable about their work, the technology used in the mechanization and water treatment field changes very fast. It is very easy to lag behind the present technology. Government extension personnel, dealing with farmers' water problems, are constantly networking with suppliers about new or problem equipment. Because of the size of the area they cover, extension personnel often encounter similar problems. As a result, systems being installed can be modified to correct problems before they occur.

Over the years, prairie province extension personnel have developed a good working relationship with their counterparts. This keeps extension start up to date on technical matters and provides a network for dealing with complex problems common to the prairies. A prime example is the development of the copper resistant strain of algae that everyone has encountered over the past few years. When this particular strain of algae was detected in a small area of Saskatchewan, the problem was communicated to the provinces and research was developed. While no real solution to problem algae exists as yet, alternate control measures have been assessed and developed to keep it in check.

In short, extension staff are there to assist the farmer with water problems. While they may not always have the answers, they have the contacts to find the solutions and can provide valuable technical assistance when developing and mechanizing the water system for the farm.

Persons contemplating establishing a new water source should contact their regional Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) office for assistance provided by the Government of Canada.