Rapid Implementation of Localized Drinking Water Solutions during Emergencies
CHALLENGE: The Zhiibaahaasing First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario has been steadily growing, with 65 current permanent residents and 112 living off-reserve. More than 120 people are expected to live in the community within 20 years. Plans are underway for building a school and day care, medical clinic and other economic development opportunities, which are expected to double water demand. The effects of climate change and aging equipment amplified the community’s urgent need for a reliable water treatment system that would work given the remote location, frequent power outages and unreliable Internet connectivity.
SOLUTION: During summer 2020, the existing water plant was compromised due to safety concerns as rising lake water flooded the plant. Community members, Indigenous Services Canada and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch partnered with RESEAU, BI Pure Water, First Nations
Engineering Services Ltd. and Viqua. Through a rapid implementation of RESEAU’s SAILS, the team conceived, designed, built, transported across- country and delivered a water treatment plant in only three months.
KEY CONSIDER ATIONS: Importantly, this was not an off-the-shelf packaged plant; the community leaders, water operator, RESEAU and other partners were engaged throughout the process, and the resulting solution meets not only the emergency requirements but is also aligned with the community’s long-term infrastructure plan. This rapid response strategy was innovative and participatory, a model for how affordable localized solutions can be achieved in a timely manner.
The Zhiibaahaasing First Nation faced urgent water treatment needs due to growth and aging equipment. After flood damage in summer 2020, a collaborative team rapidly designed, built, and delivered a new water treatment plant in just three months, meeting both emergency and long-term community needs.
View Resource
Mobile Research Labs
Our advanced mobile labs promote design thinking by creating opportunities for a deeper understanding of the needs and interests of the community, operators, and other stakeholders, including government and regulatory bodies.
Water Health Equity
One in six Canadians, including the majority of 1.6 million Indigenous people, live in rural areas and often face exposure to negative health and socio-economic impacts from unsafe drinking water. It’s a persistent crisis that has dragged on for decades, a dubious achievement for a rich nation often celebrated as a global humanitarian and human rights leader.
Treading Water
To tackle water advisories in Indigenous communities, we created "Treading Water," a 20-minute play with UBC's research-based theatre experts. The play highlights the experiences of water operators and communities, aiming to spark dialogue on water quality issues.
