"Manitoba faces three water woes: excessive nutrient loading of waterways that is harming Lake Winnipeg, damage from flooding and the risk of drought," said Minister Mackintosh. "All three can be mitigated with a new, sustainable approach to managing drainage and investing in flood control infrastructure."

About 75 per cent of original wetlands in Manitoba have been drained since industrial development began on the prairies, much of that in areas such as the Red River basin, impairing the natural ability of waterways to retain, release and refresh water over time, Minister Mackintosh said, adding this strategy seeks to end further loss of the benefits that wetlands provide and includes a plan to overhaul drainage licensing that would streamline approvals for routine drainage while protecting seasonal wetlands.

Public comments are being requested until December 31, 2014, through the government web site.

View Manitoba's Surface Water Management Strategy
View June 11, 2014 The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce article
View June 11, 2014 Winnipeg Free Press article
View University of Manitoba Innovative surface water and nutrient management initiatives on farm page
View Manitoba Government Towards Sustainable Drainage page