Jan. 24, 2018, Ottawa – The number of public water systems with long-term drinking water advisories has increased to 91 from 67 in late 2017, making the federal government’s promise to end advisories on reserves by March 2021 more difficult to achieve.
The Department of Indigenous Services Canada also has added nearly 250 drinking water systems bringing the total number overseen by the federal government to more than 1,000, said the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada in a news release.
The government will provide financial support to end 24 newly announced long-term drinking water advisories, in addition to 67 existing advisories, by March 2021, minister of indigenous services Jane Philpott announced at a press conference on Jan. 23.
The 2016 federal budget included investments of $1.8 billion over five years to improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation, maintenance, and support training of water system operations.
The investments provide funding to help communities plan, design and carry out required upgrades.
That budget also earmarked $141.7 million over five years in new funding to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve.
The minister hopes at least 20 additional long-term drinking water advisories will be lifted by the end of the year.
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