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Uncovering the mystery of water system failure: Why some communities need decades-long drinking water advisories.
In Canada, which is rich in pure water, many Aboriginal communities face serious drinking water crises. Long-term drinking water advisories (DWAs) in these communities, some of which have lasted for decades, expose deep infrastructure problems, a lack of equity and the incompetence of government systems.
According to Canadian government data, 144 DWAs have been lifted since November 2015, but 28 are still active in 26 communities as of January 2024. The main reasons for these DWA include improper disinfection (32%), equipment failure (30%), microbiological quality issues (18%), etc. These advisories are usually issued when the water system is not functioning properly and is unable to treat the water to the required quality.
“In the event of water system failure, the lack of qualified personnel training, equipment maintenance and appropriate water quality testing is particularly important.”
DWA can occur from broken water pipes in a community, malfunctioning equipment, or poor filtration or disinfection when treating water. Sometimes there is a lack of trained professionals to ensure adequate water quality.
Public awareness and infrastructure issues
Since 1977, successive federal governments have launched multiple investigations into water resources problems in Aboriginal communities and invested a certain amount of money to find solutions, but they have been unable to fundamentally solve the problems of water and sanitation infrastructure. Limited infrastructure puts a strain on life in these communities, exacerbating the crisis of housing shortages and making it difficult for residents to access clean water.
“Communities can only consider adding housing if infrastructure is improved, otherwise waiting lists and overcrowding will continue to worsen.”
Looking back, federal funding has been subject to a series of restrictions that have prevented INAC from providing sufficient funding to meet the growing needs of communities. Such a situation ultimately results in the basic needs of every community not being met.
Government’s Commitments and Challenges
In 2016, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Jr. announced a commitment to invest approximately CAD 4.6 billion in infrastructure improvements in Aboriginal communities. However, despite billions of dollars invested in improving water and wastewater treatment systems, many communities still face difficulties when it comes to drinking water.
"According to recent data, despite funding, many communities continue to experience ongoing drinking water advisories, some for decades."
In Ontario, the Neskantaga First Nation community has been under a boil water advisory since 1995, showing the urgency for improvements.
The situation in each province
As of September 2021, the DWA situation varies across Canadian provinces. The situation is not only serious in Ontario, but Manitoba and Saskatchewan are also facing similar challenges. Although drinking water problems have gradually improved in some communities, many areas still need to strengthen infrastructure and training.
Future Outlook
Faced with the increasingly serious drinking water problem, Canadian society is gradually paying more attention to it, and the government must also face up to the urgency and long-term nature of this problem. As 2024 approaches, will simply lifting 144 DWAs be enough to reassure residents still living under drinking water advisories?
