Procedure for Addressing Drinking Water Advisories In First Nations Communities South of 60º. CRTP Conference September 27 th 2016

Transcription

1 Procedure for Addressing Drinking Water Advisories In First Nations Communities South of 60º CRTP Conference September 27 th 2016

2 Purpose of this presentation Health Canada and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada are seeking your advice to update the Procedure for Addressing Drinking Water Advisories in First Nations Communities South of 60 This presentation will give an overview of the existing procedure in order to facilitate a discussion on how it should be revised Please hold questions until the end

3 Contents Background Procedure for Addressing Drinking Water Advisories (DWAs) Purpose What it applies to Community-Based Water Team Roles and responsibilities related to DWAs Implementing the Procedure Discussion

4 Background Established of a Drinking Water Advisory Working Group in 2005 The Procedure for Addressing Drinking Water Advisories in First Nations Communities South of 60 was published in 2007 and implemented regionally the same year Describes a team approach to help Chief and Council to coordinate efforts among all involved stakeholders to ensure that DWAs are lifted as soon as possible

5 Procedure for Addressing DWAs: Purpose 1. Outlines a process to follow after a DWA is issued to address the underlying cause(s) of the DWA in a timely manner 2. Describes how to establish a Community-Based Water Team (CBWT) 3. Identifies proactive approaches for preventing DWAs 4. Fosters communication among relevant stakeholders to assist Chief and Council in addressing DWAs

6 Procedure for Addressing DWAs: Application The procedure applies to any water system that produces drinking water for human consumption that is funded in whole or in part by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and that serves five or more household connections or a public facility Non-prescriptive: The procedure is intended to complement practices that already in existence within the regions to deal with DWAs

7 Community-Based Water Team (CBWT) It is recommended that Chief and Council proactively identify the membership of a CBWT ; the team should include: Chief (or Designate) Circuit Rider Trainer Community-Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor Community Health Director Community Health Nurse Health Canada regional representatives INAC regional representatives Tribal Council Engineer / a representative of a First Nation Technical Organization Water Systems Operator and / or Water Delivery Truck Operator

8 Roles and Responsibilities Related to DWAs Chief and Council Planning, developing, managing and operating their water systems Working towards the timely and effective removal of DWAs Proactively maintaining an up to date contact list of CBWT members Ensuring that regular sampling is taking place as per the Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities published by INAC and the Drinking Water Program Manual published by HC

9 Roles and Responsibilities Related to DWAs Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Provides funding for the construction of new water systems and upgrades to existing water systems Provides technical advice to assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of remedial measures Health Canada Assists with drinking water quality monitoring Provides recommendations for corrective measures if water sampling results are not satisfactory or when the operation of the water system may compromise public health Provides First Nations with public health expertise through the drinking water program

10 Roles and Responsibilities Related to DWAs During a DWA Event Chief and Council should: Activate the CBWT Provide administrative, management and communication tools and access to records and data to the CBWT Ensure the development and implementation of an Action Plan Monitor the implementation of corrective measures Keep the community up to date Provide a copy of the Action Plan to Health Canada and INAC representatives Provide information on the water system in question

11 Roles and Responsibilities Related to DWAs During a DWA Event Health Canada will provide: Advice on drinking water quality; Assistance in the development, implementation and monitoring of the effectiveness of remedial measures; Historical data on the water system and water quality Current and relevant monitoring and sampling data Advice regarding when it is safe to lift the DWA

12 Roles and Responsibilities Related to DWAs During a DWA Event Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAC) Provides advice, support and information on funding options Provides technical advice to assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of remedial measures Where public health and safety are at risk and the First Nations community is unable to address the issue, INAC has the authority, as set out in terms and conditions of funding agreements, to take action to remedy the situation.

13 Implementing the Procedure Three Options for Managing Drinking Water Advisories: OPTION 1 Minor problem OPTION 2 Major problem without CBWT OPTION 3 Major problem with CBWT

14 OPTION 1 Minor Problem

15 OPTION 2 Major Problem Without Community-Based Water Team

16 OPTION 2 Major Problem Without Community-Based Water Team

17 OPTION 3 Major Problem With Community-Based Water Team

18 OPTION 3 Major Problem With Community-Based Water Team

19 Discussion How can this procedure be improved? Is this procedure realistic? Are additional details required? Other thoughts or comments