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.
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