Residents in Sandy Bay, Manitoba, can now use new online tools to keep a closer eye on the health of their local water and the Sandy Bay Marsh. The Manitoba Environment and Climate Change department launched the project on February 2, 2026, to help families monitor potential pollution from nearby farms and industrial sites.
The new system includes interactive maps that show exactly where agricultural operations are located and where manure is managed. It also features a searchable list of verified polluted sites and an updated registry of environmental permits. This allows people to look up information by the name of their community rather than having to know specific permit numbers.
The portal also includes a section where residents can check the latest safety results for local drinking water. Beyond tracking large-scale pollution, the initiative provides practical help for homeowners. Families can access new guides for managing household septic systems, which are common in the area and can impact the marsh if they are not maintained.
Protecting the Sandy Bay Marsh is a priority for the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation because the area is vital for local fishing and traditional activities. These tools aim to address long-standing concerns about runoff and flooding that have affected the western shore of Lake Manitoba for years.
This project builds on previous work recorded by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to improve regional water quality. The new septic guides were developed to follow the Manitoba Onsite Wastewater Management Regulations to ensure they work for the specific soil conditions found near the marsh.
