Souris River Bilateral Water Quality Monitoring Group

Introduction

The Souris River Bilateral Water Quality Monitoring Group (SRBWQMG) was combined with the International Souris River Board (ISRB) via diplomatic notes between Canada and the United States of America on January 18, 2007. As a result of this amalgamation there will be one combined annual report instead of two annual reports produced by the SRBWQMG and the ISRB. The responsibilities and mandate of the SRBWQMG have been included in the new ISRB.

The new ISRB will be comprised of equal members from both countries. For more information about the ISRB, please check the International Joint Commission website.

Historical Background of the SRBWQMG

The SRBWQMG was established on October 26, 1989 under the Canada-United States Agreement for Water Supply and Flood Control in the Souris River Basin. This Agreement originated due to the willingness of the United States to make a financial contribution to the Rafferty-Alameda water control project in Saskatchewan, in exchange for flood control benefits.

The Agreement was developed to encourage cooperation amongst governments in dealing with matters of common concern. It enabled the exchange of funds, reporting procedures, compensation and dispute-resolution measures. The agreement also provided operating and maintenance plans for the Rafferty-Alameda project, and specified that water quality objectives would be co-operatively developed for the Souris River.

The Bilateral Water Quality Monitoring Group is responsible for interpreting and exchanging data, and preparing an annual report on Souris River water quality. The Group is also responsible for developing recommendations to governments on the monitoring program and establishing water quality objectives at the two boundary crossings of the Souris River.

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