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
Sweetgrass First Nation as of May 29, 2025
Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on May 29, 2025, after completing upgrades and an expansion to their water treatment system.
English River First Nation as of November 7, 2024
English River First Nation in Saskatchewan lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on November 7, 2024. Upgrades to the water treatment plant were completed in September 2024. A new water operator was hired and is now keeping the community's water safe.
Fort Severn First Nation as of October 9, 2024
Fort Severn First Nation in Ontario lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on October 9, 2024, after completing upgrades to their water treatment system and training their water operators on the new equipment.
Recently added long-term drinking water advisories
Weenusk First Nation as of May 3, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Weenusk First Nation in Ontario became long-term on May 3, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 93 homes and 5 community buildings. The community is currently repairing their water treatment plant and are developing an action plan to address operational challenges. Once resolved, the community should be able to lift the advisory.
Mishkeegogamang First Nation as of May 8, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Mishkeegogamang First Nation in Ontario became long-term on May 8, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 95 homes and 20 community buildings. The community is currently working on repairs to their water treatment plant. Once repairs are complete, the community should be able to lift the advisory. A project to upgrade and expand their water treatment plant is also underway.
Berens River First Nation as of May 8, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Berens River First nation in Manitoba became long-term on May 8, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 350 homes and 4 community buildings. The community is working on a project to upgrade their water treatment plant and currently has access to clean drinking water through a bottling station. When upgrades are complete, the community should be able to lift the advisory.
Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of May 29, 2025
Text alternative for: Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of May 29, 2025
148 long-term drinking water advisories lifted since November 2015.
37 long-term drinking water advisories are in effect in 35 communities.
- 2025: 7 long-term drinking water advisories added and 1 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 May 29, 2025
Text alternative for: Progress on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of May 29, 2025
- 80% advisory lifted
- 9% project to address advisory complete, lift pending
- 9% project to address advisory under construction
- 1% 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.