By Bre McAdam

Study finds Sask. First Nations’ water systems unsafe

Jul 15, 2011 | 7:20 AM

A national study has found that more than 26 per cent of Saskatchewan First Nations' water systems pose a high risk of not meeting standards.

27 out of 103 water systems that were tested across First Nation communities in the province were deemed a “high risk.”

The water system’s risk levels were evaluated based on five factors, including: the system’s design, operation and maintenance, training and certification of the operator, record keeping, and an analysis of the water source.

According to the report, the high risk label doesn’t necessarily mean the water is unsafe to drink. Rather, a high risk system would fail to produce safe drinking water if a problem were to occur.

“Most of the systems we’ve identified as high risk… there isn’t a current problem with the quality of water,” said Gail Mitchell with Aboriginal Affairs.

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Capable technician needed for good system

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild wants the government to start spending money and make safe water systems a priority.

“No matter how good the plant is, or how modern it is, we do need the actual financial resources to maintain the systems,” said Lonechild, adding that if you want quality water, you need good technicians.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan says that's easier said than done.

“(Water system technicians) are finding that they’re in demand in other places. So we have to step it up, because we found that we are training people that aren’t actually staying in First Nation communities,” said Duncan.

Duncan hopes to pass legislation this fall that would ensure water standards are in place on Canadian First Nations.

Saskatchewan high risk below national average

On a national level, 39 per cent of the First Nation water systems were found to be high risk. B.C. and Ontario had the highest risk levels of all provinces and territories, while Saskatchewan was among the lowest.

To read the report online CLICK HERE.