Clean Drinking Water Advisories on First Nations Reserves in Canada

Jan 27

While in most regions of Canada, access to clean water is considered a basic human right, on many of our First Nations reserves, there are constant struggles to secure and maintain this fundamental necessity. Because of this, these communities are subject to many ongoing clean water advisories.

By the end of 2024, there were 31 active long-term drinking water advisories in Canada across 29 First Nations communities.

When is a Water Advisory Initiated?

Clean drinking water advisories are executed when a community’s drinking water has been heavily affected by contaminants of emerging concern including, but not limited to, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, parasites and waste.

3 commonly announced types of water advisories are Boil Water Advisories (BWA), Do Not Use (DNU) and Do Not Consume (DNC).

What’s the difference between Do Not Use and Do Not Consume?

A home-life differentiator between Do Not Use and Do Not Consume is that Do Not Use includes non-food, activities such as bathing, rinsing or showering.

What is Causing Water Quality Issues in First Nations Communities?

One of the biggest factors on First Nations reserves that is contributing to the lack of clean water resources is the lack of adequate, modern infrastructure including water treatment systems. If the infrastructure that treats or distributes your water is outdated or inadequate, you’re more likely to be vulnerable to contamination.

Additional factors that can add to the major infrastructure issues include lack of funding, trade worker capacity, climate change and community remoteness.

Water Quality Impacts on First Nations Reserves

While it is understood that contaminated water can lead to the spread of illnesses and other health complications, the impacts of unsafe water and clean drinking water advisories span far beyond human health.

These challenges and advisories disrupt First Nations communities at an economic level, making it difficult to run and maintain business, tourism and other activities.

They can also reduce the ability to host and execute social and cultural activities and events such as community gatherings and other traditions.

Critically, there is also the strain on mental health, not knowing how or when these challenges will be resolved, putting added stress on simply trying to live out one’s day-to-day life.

Ongoing Efforts to Resolve Water Quality Issues

While the federal government has promised a commitment to water infrastructure funding in First Nations communities, these reserves are also taking matters into their own hands, attempting to develop their own sustainable water systems in the meantime, in addition to forming partnerships with ethical companies that want to help.

C.E.C. Analytics’ Role in First Nations Water Monitoring

At C.E.C. Analytics, we’re passionate about sustaining and nurturing our commitment to supporting First Nations communities in their water surveillance and security efforts.

With modern technology, we’re able to provide these reserves with affordable, durable automatic water samplers that can be utilized and stay powered in even the most remote or challenging water settings.

Beyond scheduled sampling, C.E.C. Analytics can also look after analysis and interpretation, giving community leaders the most comprehensive water data possible. This ensures that performance and trends are tracked, providing signals as to whether infrastructure and water quality interventions are efficiently working, or what impacts are being experienced in the water due to climate change.

By working together, we can help ensure that any and all First Nations communities have better, more consistent access to safe, clean water for consumption, use and enjoyment.

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