Ending long-term drinking water advisories

The long-term drinking water advisory in White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan was lifted, effective June 15, 2021. The advisory had been in effect since September 2011. A new water treatment plant was constructed to serve the community and in-home filters were removed from homes to ensure they did not become a cause of contamination. A total of 180 homes and 9 buildings now have reliable access to safe drinking water.

The long-term drinking water advisory affecting Sapotaweyak Cree Nation's public water system has been lifted, effective May 20, 2021. The community's existing plant, on which the advisory was initially placed, was undersized and required replacement. It is no longer in operation or supplying water to the community. Construction of a new water treatment plant, which will provide water for the community over the long term, has been completed and water sampling shows the water meets the required guidelines.

A drinking water advisory in Mitaanjigaming First Nation (Ontario) affecting the Mitaanjigamiing Public Water System became long-term on May 15, 2021, after being in place for more than 12 months. The advisory was recommended to support the shut-downs required to complete upgrades to the existing water distribution and treatment systems. The project has faced delays due to technical issues and problems with sourcing the necessary equipment and materials however, upgrades to the water distribution system have been completed and upgrades to the water treatment system are expected to be completed by end of May 2021. It is expected that the community will be in a position to lift the long-term drinking water advisory in June 2021.

The long-term drinking water advisory affecting Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation's Mudie Lake water system has been deactivated, effective April 1, 2021. A pipeline has been constructed from Ministikwan Lake's main water system and is providing water to Mudie Lake. The existing water treatment plant at Mudie Lake has been converted to a distribution pumping station. The 2 systems are now considered 1 system by the First Nation and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, which provides environmental public health services to the First Nation.