All Canadians should have access to safe drinking water. Because of this, many of us are rightfully concerned about drinking water advisories that have been in effect for years or even decades in some First Nations communities. However, what is required to address the issue? Here are four things to be aware of:
The process is complex
Lifting long-term drinking water warnings is a difficult process that need for cooperation and funding. In order to ensure that water is safe for communities to utilize, environmental public health officers, the federal government, and First Nations all have specific roles to play. Environmental public health officers’ recommendations are frequently the basis for the chief and council of a community’s decision to lift a long-term drinking water advisory.
Infrastructure may be needed
Repairs to existing infrastructure or new system design work may be necessary to achieve clean water. The installation of a new water purification system may need three to four years.
Local workforce development is required
In addition to physical infrastructure, funding must help local water operators be hired and trained so that First Nations communities can manage their own water systems sustainably and provide clean drinking water for future generations.
Change is happening
Luckily, a large portion of this effort has already begun. Including infrastructure projects and training opportunities for water operators, 1,415 water and wastewater projects have been implemented in First Nations communities since 2015. Nearly 600 localities, helping some 478,000 individuals, have benefited from these changes.
However, much more must be done. Plans are in place for First Nations communities and the Canadian government to deal with the remaining long-term drinking water advisories.
Learn more at: https://newscanada.com/en/What-s-needed-for-safe-water-in-First-Nations-communities–140175
