Projects
Community water systems: Climate vulnerabilities and resilience opportunities
Conducting Pilot Study of Potential Treatment Options
Increasing Public Works Capacity in Remote Communities through Operators’ Walkthrough Lab (OWL)
First Nations Water Systems Locator
This map shows First Nations water systems in British Columbia and Yukon. Our goal is to secure funding to create a peer network directory of all different water systems so operators can share and learn best practices.
Past Projects
Leveraging a Stalemate
T’it’q’et’s Towinock IR#2 in BC is upgrading its water system, exploring UV disinfection and emergency chlorination to address chlorine allergies in the community.
Breaking with Conventions
The Siska Indian Band in BC's Fraser Canyon faces water issues, including low pressure, limited storage, and no treatment. A collaborative project with local and external partners is developing a customized solution to address these challenges.
Shifting from Sequential to Simultaneous
The Kleekhoot Reserve of the Hupacasath First Nation lacks a water treatment system. To maximize their investment, the community is exploring cost-effective solutions like UBC’s passive membrane technology. This community-driven effort, supported by FNHA, focuses on simplicity, low maintenance, and ongoing operator training.
Discovering Common Ground
A collaborative project lifted long-standing Boil Water Advisories in two small First Nations reserves in BC by implementing point-of-entry systems. The effort involved multiple partners focusing on site-specific, cost-effective solutions.
Our Approach is Different
When presented with a water quality challenge, we design for strong community ownership. This means gradual change, deliberate management, and successful handoffs.
We pay special attention to the challenges that innovation can place on each community and highlight areas that must not be compromised. Needed experts are recruited early and intentionally.
We ensure our insights are independent, objective, and tailored to each community’s goals and priorities to build trust and confidence.
