We’re entering a period of rapid change.

The ongoing impact of Climate Change is the key factor affecting Saskatchewan’s Water Future, that from Dr. John Pomeroy with the University of Saskatchewan.

Professor Pomeroy is the Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change.

He says we’re entering a period of rapid change adding we’ll probably see floods and droughts beyond any records.

"Many model forecasts suggest that droughts will be as prevalent maybe a little more," he said. "In general most of the models indicate a wetting up of the prairies mostly in winter, and less so in summer, but the spring and summer precipitation will be more clustered occurring more in May and June rather than throughout the year, and over multiple day events rather than scattered and single small-scale thunderstorms."

He believes the Prairies will be a more habitable climate and we’ll be able to grow a greater range of crops.

With a growing population, he notes, there will be a greater demand on our water and for our agricultural products:

"This puts a lot of stress on our water supply, and we don't want to be in a position wherein fifty years we're wishing we had planned a little better, for the demands that are coming," he said. "Part of this now is getting our governments in order for water portion between the provinces and between districts and then also making sure we have the infrastructure to withstand floods and droughts in the province as the climate becomes more variable."

He says we’ll probably see floods and droughts beyond any records with a shift on when we do see moisture.

Pomeroy gave a public presentation in Swift Current on Wednesday.