Drinking Water Advisories

So what exactly are the drinking water advisories that the government is putting these first nation tribes on?  Well there are three different "levels", and these go up in severity and concern, a boil water advisory, a do not consume advisory, and a do not use advisory.  These drinking water advisories are put into effect when Environmental Health Officials suggest to the Chief and Council that these are necessary.   The Chief and Council are also responsible for letting residents know of the concerns and the advisories.  However a do not drink advisory is under the jurisdiction of the Public Health Act and must be issued by a Medical Officer.    

The first level, and the one of "least" concern is a Boil Water Advisory or BWA.  

A BWA is put into place when a water supply has "unacceptable levels of disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites in the water system anywhere from the source to the tap" (health canada).  This include E. Coli contamination as well as questionable water quality.  This can be a result of outdated water treatment facilities, unskilled works or facilities that are at capacity.  Under this advisory, First Nations are instructed to boil their water before drinking the water, using it to cook food or for showering and cleaning.  Drinking water must be brought to a rolling boiling for at least 1 min to be considered safe.



The next level is a do not consume advisory or DNCA.

Under a DNCA, boiling water is not sufficient in removing the contaminants in the water.  A DNCA is put into place when a chemical contaminant is in a water supply, such as uranium or mercury.  In cases like these, First Nation communities are often forced to travel to access clean water, and even then in some cases the water that they are retrieving are still under a BWA.   

And finally there is a do not use advisory or DNUA.

In cases where the water is deemed unsafe due to a chemical spill, a DNUA is put into effect.  Water that is contaminated at this level cannot be boiled or used for daily purposes.

According to Health Canada as of October 31, 2012 there are "122 First Nation communities across Canada under a drinking water advisory".  The reasons for why so many First Nation communities are under drinking water advisories can vary, but it has a lot to to with the remoteness of where the community is located which leads to two things, either the government does not see the benefit of immediately fixing the costly problem of upgrading these water treatment facilities or much needed skilled workers are difficult to retain in these remote areas.  These advisories are merely temporary solutions to inadequate disinfection/unsanitary drinking water and do not actually address the issue of contaminated water.