Taking a Longer View
CHALLENGE: Prior to 2008, Kluskus village IR#1 (located west of Quesnel, BC) sourced its water from a single, large-diameter, shallow well next to Kluskus Creek, but it was susceptible to turbidity and bacterial contamination. That well was replaced by two deep- supply wells, but these have proven to have elevated levels of iron and manganese, and they are located in a historic burial area and approximately 80 metres from a failing septic field. The community is off-grid, and power is supplied by a diesel generator. The permanent residents — a population that fluctuates from 20 to 35 — rely on bottled water and have long desired an alternate water source and robust treatment system to address esthetic quality and chronically high levels of iron and manganese.
SOLUTION: Seeking an alternative water source, the community engaged the partners to investigate viable options. The participants conducted a thorough study of neighbouring lakes and creeks, but none proved to be a viable option for the long term. The partners also identified different locations for new wells, and conducted pilot testing of several treatment options. The ultimate solution was favoured by the community, and also is considered appropriate for local settings by local health authorities and the funding agency.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS: The partners searched for long-term sustainability in a new water source and system, rather than simply problem solving for the short term.
Consideration of long-term sustainability brought out creative strategies acceptable to both health authorities and the funding agency that likely would not have been discovered during a search for a quick fix.
Kluskus village IR#1 addressed high iron and manganese levels and contamination risks by exploring new water sources and treatment options, ultimately implementing a sustainable solution approved by health authorities and funding agencies.
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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.
Operators’ Walkthrough Lab (OWL): Digital Circle in Action
RESEAU created AR apps for virtual walkthroughs of water treatment plants, enabling community input, reducing design errors, and providing remote monitoring and training. These tools were piloted at Yukon University in 2020 to support operator training and design accuracy.
