Analysis of Agricultural Water Supply Issues: National Summary

2.0 PROVINCIAL SUMMARIES

2.7 New Brunswick

The following text summarizes information from the report titled Agricultural Water Supply Issues: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

2.7.1  Issues/Constraints and Information Gaps

There are four key agricultural regions in New Brunswick, which are differentiated based on farm concentrations and commodity type. Each of the four regions has suffered in the past from seasonal water shortages; however, traditionally agricultural water supply issues have focused on managing surplus water. In general, most stakeholders believe there is sufficient water to meet agricultural demands, but that there is a need to better manage the water supply such that seasonal shortages can be accommodated.

Because water supply has not historically been a problem, producers have seldom had to manage water on their farms. In many cases, producers are not aware of the permitting requirements for water supply development, use and protection, and they do not have the experience or knowledge base necessary to deal with the constraints they are currently confronting. There is no consistent delivery mechanism by which producers might learn of best management practices for water conservation and water management or how to implement them on-site.

The most common water supply constraint in the Province that affects agricultural production appears to be seasonal moisture deficits for crop production. A number of studies on the feasibility and benefits of supplemental irrigation have been conducted in the province. The conclusions of the studies vary in terms of the benefits of implementing supplemental irrigation. Some of the studies illustrate the importance of the adoption of other best management practices to address moisture deficits, in addition to irrigation. Although the results vary widely, most areas appear to make some use of supplemental irrigation. Obstacles to the implementation of effective irrigation include the long approval process for construction of storage ponds, high capital costs and poor implementation methods.

There is a general gap in the information required for implementing water management strategies. These gaps include knowledge of the quantity and quality of water available for use, and assessments of the seasonal supply and demand for water.

The main issues, constraints or knowledge gaps identified in the consultative process included:

• Lack of information on cumulative demands of water resources;
• Lack of information of surface and groundwater availability;
• Need for feasibility studies for site-specific uses of water;
• Limited information on environmental permitting and excessive time requirements to obtain permits;
• Absence of meaningful pilot demonstrations;
• Lack of educational information available to producers on water conservation;
• Lack of technical and financial support to facilitate access to water resources; and,
• Lack of funding for irrigation equipment.

2.7.2  Priorities

The main priorities identified included:

• Technical assistance for water management;
• Technical assistance for on-farm water development;
• Funding for information development on groundwater and surface water availability and demand; and,
• Extension services related to water conservation and research results, including demonstration projects.

Secondary priorities included:

• Regional-specific funding targeted to the primary constraints of the region; and,
• Financial assistance for irrigation equipment.

2.7.3  Recommended Program Principles, Elements, or Criteria

General recommendations include funding for:

• Strategic studies including monitoring, assessment and centralized database development;
• Funding for specialist staff to provide technical assistance; and,
• Incentives for on-farm water supply development.

Possible program criteria that were identified included:

• Delivery of fund in cooperation with existing groups or the provincial government; and,
• Potential targeting of funds to specific issues in specific regions.

2.8  Nova Scotia

The following text summarizes information from the report titled Agricultural Water Supply Issues: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

2.8.1 Issues/Constraints and Information Gaps

The perception among stakeholders and water specialists in the province is that there is sufficient water in Nova Scotia to meet agricultural demands, as well as the demands of municipalities and industry. Constraints arise because the water is not always available at the times of greatest need. Most agriculture in the province relies on surface water sources, which can be limited in quantity and quality during dry growing seasons. In the past 3-5 years, prolonged periods without rain have increased in severity and duration.

There have been several changes in the agricultural sector that have increased the demand for water. From 1996 to 2001, the number of irrigated hectares in the Province increased by 56%. Some of this growth relates to an increase in horticultural production, which has a high demand for irrigation. In addition, consumer expectations with respect to both the quality and quantity of produce have increased, necessitating development of reliable and predictable sources of water.

Recently, the dairy and beef sectors have also been affected by water shortages. Dry summers have reduced yields from feed crops, and dry ponds and wells necessitated water hauling for both livestock watering and milkhouse cleaning.

The recent water shortages were a catalyst in initiating a number of regional studies and/or initiatives throughout the province on water management issues. Some studies have identified currently untapped agricultural water supply opportunities and the main constraints to accessing those supplies. Other studies identified short-term and long-term options for mitigating the effects of water shortages in the Province. In addition, some watershed-scale initiatives were undertaken to identify and implement solutions to region-specific supply and demand problems.

There are regional differences in water supply constraints in the Province. These differences reflect differences in commodity production and differences in water availability (both the actual presence of water and the amount available under the regulatory framework). In many cases, the issues and solutions are known, but are not being implemented due to a lack of funding.

The main issues, constraints or knowledge gaps identified in the consultative process included:

• An inability of producers to readily access information with respect to new technologies or to attain the expertise necessary to implement the best technology to meet production-specific water requirements;
• Lack of funds to offset capital costs of farm water supply developments;
• Incomplete databases with respect to both groundwater and surface water sources;
• Insufficient monitoring programs; and,
• Ineffectiveness of the water permitting and approval procedures.

2.8.2 Priorities

Feedback from the consultations suggested there should be no attempt to prioritize funding by region. Rather, funding should be directed at provincially applicable and regionally adaptable programs. Priority programs and activities included:

• Funding for extension and educational services to farmers;
• Establishment of a comprehensive water resource database;
• Incentives for on farm or group-based solutions to sourcing and distribution of water resources; and,
• Financial and technical support to the existing Water Management Clubs and for formation of new clubs in other areas of the province.

2.8.3 Recommended Program Principles, Elements or Criteria

Recommendations include assistance for:

• Funding small-scale on-farm infrastructure development;
• Funding education/extension and resource assessment opportunities; and,
• Providing technical assistance through AAFC-PFRA.

Specific program criteria that were recommended include:

• Funds for infrastructure development should be delivered in cooperation with existing provincial programs where possible;
• Infrastructure should be targeted to farm-specific solutions;
• Water supply development options should allow for sustained water use;
• Linkages should be created between water development and monitoring the water use;
• Funds for education should be delivered in cooperation with existing water clubs; and,
• Studies should target assessment of supply and demand of water resources.