Assessing the Links between Drinking Water and Health on First Nations Reserves: Groundwater Quality and Potential Sources of Contamination

Members of the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation and the Yellow Quill First Nation in Saskatchewan wanted more information about their water supply to protect the health of residents. The goal of this study was to examine surface and groundwater quality in these communities to determine if sources of contamination on and off reserve were affecting the drinking water supply. The study planned to assess health risks of various drinking water sources, and identify improvements needed to water quality monitoring. The study aimed to identify the barriers, challenges, and issues with providing safe drinking water in these communities.

The study team collected samples from key surface water and groundwater locations. They analyzed the samples for the various chemicals regularly measured through the Environmental Health Water Monitoring Program as well as other compounds of potential concerns (COPCs). The team conducted household surveys and interviews on the challenges and barriers to providing safe drinking water to the communities.

The study found the quality of treated water was generally safe in both communities. The team found some issues in cisterns due to bacterial contamination, and contaminant and bacterial contamination in private wells. No contaminants of concern from nearby industrial and agricultural activities were found in community wells, private wells, or surface water. The study found different linkages between surface water and ground water at the two reserves. The study found the Beardy’s aquifer surface is highly susceptible to contamination from activities on surrounding land.

Overall, the study concluded that the biggest risk factor for drinking water in both communities was weaknesses in the management, monitoring, and maintenance of the wells and cisterns. It was not clear who had responsibility for their management. The report provided several proposals to improve the situation in the shorter and longer term.