Start Irrigating
Irrigation can be a valuable investment for improving crop consistency, managing risk, and increasing long-term productivity. This guide provides an overview of what irrigation involves and the key steps to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your operation.
What is Irrigation and
Why is it Used?
Irrigation is the controlled application of water to crops to support consistent growth and improve production.
In Saskatchewan, irrigation is used to:
- Reduce risk from dry conditions and variable weather
- Improve yield consistency and crop quality
- Increase productivity and expand cropping opportunities
- Support long-term farm resilience
Is Irrigation Right for Me?
Irrigation is not the right fit for every operation. Evaluating your land, resources, and goals is an important first step.
Irrigation may be a good fit if:
- You have access to a reliable water source
- Your soils are suitable for irrigation
- Your land is relatively level or can be adapted
- You are looking to improve yield stability and reduce risk
You may need further evaluation if:
- Water access is limited or uncertain
- Land requires significant development or leveling
- Infrastructure costs are a concern
- You are unsure how irrigation fits into your current operation
Taking time to assess these factors will help determine whether irrigation aligns with your goals.
Regulatory Requirements & Approvals
Irrigation development in Saskatchewan requires regulatory approvals to ensure responsible and sustainable water use.
Key requirements may include:
- Obtaining an irrigation certification from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
- Securing a water allocation from an irrigation district or the Water Security Agency (WSA)
- Meeting environmental and land-use requirements, where applicable
- Obtaining approvals or agreements from neighbouring landowners and municipalities, where required
Understanding these requirements early in the process will help avoid delays and support a smoother development timeline.
Applications and Additional Resources
Start here: Contact the Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation Unit
Email: irrigation@gov.sk.ca
Phone: (306) 867-5500
Discuss your project idea before investing significant time or money. Ministry staff can review your land, identify opportunities and constraints, and help determine whether irrigation may be a good fit.
Source: Government of Saskatchewan
Irrigation Application – Ministry of Agriculture
If you are applying to irrigate outside of the three named irrigation districts or individually please leverage this application.
Macrorie Irrigation Application
If you are applying to irrigation within Macrorie, please leverage this application.
Irrigation Application – Luck Lake Irrigation District
If you are applying to irrigation within Luck Lake please leverage this application.
Irrigation Application – Riverhurst Irrigation District
If you are applying to irrigation within Riverhurst please leverage this application.
Irrigation Application – South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District
If you are applying to irrigation within the SSRID, please leverage this application.
Irrigation resource document for irrigators who choose not to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop their irrigation projects.
Agencies Involved with Irrigation Development
This document outlines the multiple agencies that may be involved in the development of an irrigation project. It also defines common terminology related to irrigation.
Irrigation Agrologist Two-Pager
Ministry irrigation agrologists are available to answer questions on economics, potential profitability, agronomics and more when it comes to irrigation.
2025 Irrigation Legislation Guide
Get the information you need to meet irrigation legislation in Saskatchewan. This guide helps producers navigate the process and access helpful resources.
Download the guide here.
Other Resources:
irrigation.education is an interactive, easy-to-use online resource that shares with you the best practices on farm irrigation from industry leaders.
Check out their site: irrigation.education
The Irrigation Management Climate Information Network (Alberta)