Water in First Nations communities
Find out how the Government of Canada works with First Nations to end long-term drinking water advisories and improve water and wastewater systems on reserve.
Update: Claims deadline extended by 1 year
The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement claims deadline for individuals and the acceptance deadline for First Nations has been extended by 1 year. First Nations and individuals affected by long-term drinking water advisories that lasted for at least 1 year between November 20, 1995 and June 20, 2021 now have until March 7, 2024 to submit their claim for compensation.
For more information and to apply for compensation, visit First Nations Drinking Water Settlement.
Courts approve settlement agreement
The Federal Court (FC) and the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba (MBQB) issued a joint decision approving an agreement to settle class-action litigation related to safe drinking water in First Nations communities:
Services and information
Achieving clean drinking water in First Nations communities
Water projects, remaining advisories by community, training, operations and investments
Ending long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities
Learn about progress in ending long-term drinking water advisories on reserve.
Short-term drinking water advisories
Learn about short-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities south of the 60th parallel.
About drinking water advisories
Learn about different types of drinking water advisories in First Nations communities.
Wastewater in First Nation communities
Learn about wastewater in First Nation communities.
Roles and responsibilities
Learn how the responsibility for providing water on reserve is shared between First Nations and the Government of Canada.
Supporting First Nations control of water delivery
Learn how First Nations communities are assuming control and delivery of infrastructure services.
Circuit Rider Training Program
Find out how First Nation community operators get trained through the Circuit Rider Training Program.
National First Nations Water Leadership Award
An annual award recognizing the contribution of a First Nation to clean and safe drinking water.
Drinking water monitoring
Learn how the Government of Canada works with First Nations communities to ensure effective monitoring of water quality.
Protocols and guidelines for water systems
Find protocols, guidelines and the policy for water and wastewater systems in First Nations communities.
Inspecting your well: A step-by-step checklist
Follow this step-by-step checklist on how to visually inspect your well.
Developing laws and regulations for First Nations drinking water and wastewater: engagement 2022
Engagement on proposed legislation to support safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in First Nations communities.
National assessments of First Nations water and wastewater systems
Understand the results of the assessment, find national and regional reports and review the department's response plan.