What’s needed for safe water in First Nations communities?

(NC) Everyone in Canada should have clean drinking water. That’s why many of us are rightfully concerned about long-term drinking water advisories, in place for years or even decades, in some First Nations communities. But what’s actually needed to solve the problem? Here are four things to know:

1. The process is complex. Lifting long-term drinking water advisories is complex and requires collaboration and investment. First Nations, the federal government and environmental public health officers all have different roles when it comes to making sure that water is safe for communities to use. The decision to lift a long-term drinking water advisory is usually made by a community’s chief and council, often based on recommendations from environmental public health officers.

2. Infrastructure may be needed. Achieving clean water can mean new system design work or repairs to existing infrastructure. If a new water treatment system is needed, it can take three to four years to complete.

3. Local workforce development is required. Beyond physical infrastructure, investments also need to support the recruitment and training of local water operators to ensure First Nations communities can sustainably manage their own water systems and ensure safe drinking water for generations to come.

4. Change is happening. Fortunately, much of this work is already happening. There have been 1,415 water and wastewater projects implemented in First Nations communities since 2015, including infrastructure projects and training opportunities to water operators. These improvements have made a difference to nearly 600 communities, serving approximately 478,000 people.

Still, there is much work to be done. First Nations communities and the Government of Canada have plans to address the remaining long-term drinking water advisories.

Learn more about the work being done to achieve clean water for all at canada.ca/water-on-reserve.