World Water Day 2026: Celebrating and Protecting Saskatchewan’s Water

Today, on World Water Day, we celebrate the incredible lakes, rivers, and wetlands that make Saskatchewan unique. Water is more than just a part of our landscapes, it supports recreation, farming, industry, and drinking water, and provides critical habitat for millions of birds, fish, and other wildlife that live in or migrate through the province each year.

Here in Saskatchewan many of us have a very close relationship with our lakes and rivers, but I don't think we give nearly enough attention into how closely connected our waters are with our everyday life. There is an increasing need for us to work together to protect, and improve water for ourselves and for everyone who shares them with us, not to mention future generations.

Saskatchewan's Water at a Glance

Water covers around 12% of Saskatchewan's land area, it's present everywhere, from our thousands of lakes to rivers, streams, and wetlands. The province sits at a continental divide, meaning water in Saskatchewan flows in all directions: north toward the Arctic, east to Hudson Bay, and south into the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the province's major river systems include the Saskatchewan River, Qu'Appelle River, Churchill River, and their many tributaries.

These waterways support fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing, and countless other recreational activities, while also providing water for agriculture, industry, and municipal use. Wetlands and riparian areas act as natural filters, reducing pollution, controlling floods, and storing carbon, making them essential for healthy ecosystems.

Protecting Saskatchewan's Waters

With so many uses and so much life depending on water, protecting it is critical. Here are key ways the public can help:

• Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): Zebra mussels, spiny water flea, and other invasive species can harm lakes and rivers. Always clean, drain, and dry your gear and boats between water bodies.
• Reduce pollution and runoff: Avoid dumping chemicals, fertilizers, or waste into water. Plant natural buffers along shorelines where possible.
• Practice responsible recreation: Respect sensitive shorelines, pack out litter, and use eco-friendly products.
• Support local stewardship: Participate in cleanup days, join lake associations, or report environmental concerns to local authorities.

Every visitor, angler, and lake enthusiast has a role to play in keeping Saskatchewan waters healthy for future generations.

Appreciating the Water Around Us

Saskatchewan is home to over 100,000 lakes and countless streams and wetlands. Each lake has its own story, and each river contributes to the province's ecological and cultural heritage. User-submitted photos on SaskLakes highlight the beauty, diversity, and importance of these waters, showing why we need to protect them.

On this World Water Day, we encourage everyone to explore, respect, and care for the water around them. Whether it's a quiet paddle on a remote lake, a family fishing trip, or photographing a wetland alive with birds, every interaction is an opportunity to connect with Saskatchewan's waters and help protect them.

Get involved:

• Share your favourite lake photos on SaskLakes.ca
• Explore lakes near you and discover hidden gems.
• Practice responsible recreation to keep our waters clean and healthy.
• Learn more about AIS and how to prevent their spread.

Together, we can celebrate Saskatchewan's water and ensure it remains a vital resource for humans, wildlife, and generations to come.