Making the most of water
Floods washing out swaths of Texas. Wildfires ravaging Manitoba's land and skies. This summer has proven to be a posterchild for the power of extreme weather events.
And don't Manitoba's farmers know it all too well?
Scorching droughts that wither crops and pasture, torrential rains that flood fields, and storms that wash out roads. These events don't just impact yields, they also threaten the livelihoods and well-being of everyday citizens.
And while these weather events are becoming ever more extreme and unpredictable, there are measures we can take now to pre-emptively prepare for what may come.
Take water storage, for example, which helps farmers get ahead of next year by preparing now for Manitoba's moisture extremes — keeping farms resilient against whatever unpredictable weather occurs.
Water storage can take different forms — from restoring natural potholes and creating new wetlands to deliberately holding back water in areas that typically flood. These areas act like sponges, soaking up spring runoff and heavy rains to release moisture during dry spells.
Picture small berms or water-control structures, for example, placed strategically to capture overland flow or within waterways. These handy solutions trap and hold water that would otherwise flood fields or increase run off.
And what can that water then be used for?
Prioritizing water storage on-farm can reduce the potential for flooded fields, roads, and buildings by holding back water to lower the volume of runoff, slow the flow, and allow it to soak into the ground. During drought, stored water keeps soil moist and sustains nearby crops and forage.
But the benefits of water storage don't stop there — it also filters out sediment and nutrients, supports wildlife, and enhances the natural beauty of the farm landscape. Though these benefits grow over time, farmers often notice improved water retention and habitat within just a few years.
So, that's all well and good. But how do we kickstart more of these projects?
Water storage projects are often completed with expertise and financial assistance through Manitoba's 14 watershed districts, supporting its growing popularity. Between 2018 and 2023, there were 257 projects completed across the province, providing 6.697 billion litres of storage (that would fill 2,678 Olympic swimming pools).
The proof, however, is in the pudding.
Just a couple of years ago, the International Institute for Sustainable Development — headquartered right here in Winnipeg — asked nine farmers with ten water storage projects in the Seine River, Rat River, and Roseau River watersheds how it was all going.
They reported many benefits from their projects. These included extended grazing (consistent moisture keeps forage growing longer), time and cost savings (less need to haul water during drought, improved crossings for machinery and livestock), and overall peace of mind (confidence that livestock will have pasture and water even in dry spells and reduced downstream flooding risk).
According to research, every dollar invested in naturalized, on-farm water storage returns $3.16 in benefits over 10 years — from better water quality to flood protection and extended grazing.
While initial costs can range from $7,000 to over $87,000, watershed districts in Manitoba offer substantial financial support, covering part of the construction costs and compensating farmers for any land taken out of production. There is often additional funding to combine water storage with livestock fencing and alternative watering systems to enhance benefits and bolster livestock health. The cost of these projects varies by design and location, but the benefits are clear and more than justify the cost.
So, as we face an increasingly unpredictable climate, these water storage projects are already making Manitoba farms more resilient.
But now we need to ramp these efforts up, so that the whole province — from farmers to everyday citizens — enjoy the benefits.
If farmers are interested in building a new project, they can connect with their local watershed district to learn about funding options.
Because remember — embracing water storage means you're not just preparing for the next flood or drought — you're investing in the future of your land, your livelihood, and your community.
Ashley Rawluk is a policy advisor for the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
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