Develop a Model Using Biological, Physical and Chemical Water Parameters to Predict Recreational Water Illnesses in the Calling Lakes Area

Historically water has been interwoven with First Nations culture and way of life. Activities such as hunting, trapping, and fishing, and gathering food and medicinal plants also help contribute to First Nations livelihood. The Calling Lakes, consisting of the Pasqua, Echo, Mission, and Katepwa Lakes, are part of the Qu’Appelle Valley drainage system in Saskatchewan. There are concerns that this water system may be contaminated, given cases of recreational water illness (RWI), large summer fish die-offs, fish deformities and considerable algae blooms.

In this study, data was gathered based on Indigenous environmental memory as well as community surveys. Questionnaires were developed and distributed among households of the Peepeekisis and Kahkewistahaw First Nations. The respondents were asked to comment on the water quality over the past 30 years, the effects of chemicals on the water quality, and provide a prognosis for the next 20 years based on several key parameters, such as the taste of fish caught in community water and the transparency of the water among others. The gathered data was used to develop a mathematical model of the temporal dynamics of water quality in the communities of Peepeekisis and Kahkewistahaw First Nations.

According to the results of the questionnaires, both of the communities had observed negative temporal dynamics in the local water quality. It appeared that community members considered chemicals as the main factor causing these negative trends in water quality. Based on the developed mathematical model, it was predicted that within next 15-16 years, the negative dynamics of the water quality in both communities would be maintained. However, if water treatment facilities are constructed, chemical use is restricted, and other protective actions are taken, there could be a positive trend in water quality in both communities in 15-16 years.