Ending long-term drinking water advisories
Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean drinking water. The Government of Canada is working with First Nations communities to achieve clean drinking water on reserves.
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Recently lifted long-term drinking water advisories
Berens River First Nation as of January 6, 2026
Berens River First Nation in Manitoba lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on January 6, 2026, after completing upgrades to the water treatment plant, flushing the distribution system, and cleaning the reservoir.
Miawpukek First Nation as of December 24, 2025
Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on December 24, 2025, after completing upgrades and building a new booster pumping station.
Weenusk First Nation as of October 14, 2025
Weenusk First Nation in Ontario lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on October 14, 2025, after improving operations. A community-based water monitor is helping to keep the water safe.
Recently added long-term drinking water advisories
Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation as of December 17, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, in Saskatchewan, became long-term on December 17, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 145 homes and 10 community buildings. Repairs and operator training are in progress to support lifting the advisory.
Fort Severn First Nation as of December 24, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Fort Severn First Nation, in Ontario, became long-term on December 24, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 118 homes and 7 community buildings. Repairs and operator training are in progress to support lifting the advisory.
Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of January 6, 2026
Text alternative for: Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
151 long-term drinking water advisories lifted since November 2015.
38 long-term drinking water advisories are in effect in 36 communities.
- 2026: 0 long-term drinking water advisories added and 1 lifted
- 2025: 11 long-term drinking water advisories added and 3 lifted
- 2024: 6 long-term drinking water advisories added and 4 lifted
- 2023: 3 long-term drinking water advisories added and 6 lifted
- 2022: 7 long-term drinking water advisories added and 11 lifted
- 2021: 7 long-term drinking water advisories added and 28 lifted
- 2020: 13 long-term drinking water advisories added and 11 lifted
- 2019: 6 long-term drinking water advisories added and 9 lifted
- 2018: 10 long-term drinking water advisories added and 38 lifted
- 2017: 13 long-term drinking water advisories added and 19 lifted
- 2016: 10 long-term drinking water advisories added and 17 lifted
- 2015: 3 long-term drinking water advisories added and 4 lifted
Progress on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of January 6, 2026
Text alternative for: Progress on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
- 80% advisory lifted
- 10% project to address advisory complete, lift pending
- 7% project to address advisory under construction
- 2% project to address advisory in design phase
- 1% feasibility study being conducted to address advisory
Ensuring sustainable access to safe drinking water
Ending a long-term drinking water advisory is a complex process and requires collaboration between First Nations communities and the Government of Canada. Actions to resolve a water or wastewater issue can include:
- feasibility studies
- new system design work
- interim repairs on existing systems
- permanent repairs to existing infrastructure
- construction of new infrastructure
- improved training and monitoring
Initiatives are underway in each community to address the active long-term drinking water advisories. The decision to lift a long-term drinking water advisory lies with a community's chief and council, based on recommendations from environmental public health officers.
There are different types of drinking water advisories in First Nations communities. To learn more about why and when they are issued, visit About drinking water advisories.
Eliminating long-term drinking water advisories is just 1 part of ensuring First Nations communities have reliable access to safe drinking water:
- Investing in water and wastewater infrastructure
- Keeping water systems running and properly staffed
- Supporting First Nations' control of water delivery
The timeline of every water and wastewater infrastructure project differs. For example, completion of a new water treatment system can take 3 to 4 years to complete. See the Life-cycle of a First Nations community infrastructure project.
In addition to resolving long-term drinking water advisories, work is also underway to support community infrastructure projects on reserve to build a sustainable foundation and increase reliable access to clean drinking water for generations to come.