The objective of the Drinking Water Safety Program (DWSP) is to:

1. Sample and test drinking water for E. coli, total coliforms, and chlorine residuals in accordance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality on Pinaymootang First Nation;

2. Reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks by improving monitoring, reporting, and oversight of community drinking water systems; and

3. Build capacity within First Nations communities through community-based drinking water quality monitoring programs.

 

DWSP Activities

The Drinking Water Safety Program includes the following activities:

Sampling and testing drinking water quality in distribution systems and wells in accordance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, under the direction of the Environmental Health Officer (EHO);

Recording all water quality results on standardized data sheets on a weekly basis and submitting monthly reports to the EHO for interpretation and recommendations, if required;

Conducting quality assurance testing in accordance with the approved quality assurance plan developed under the direction of the EHO; and

Immediately notifying the EHO when E. coli and/or total coliform results exceed guideline limits, or when unusual changes in disinfection residuals are detected (for example, levels lower than expected), for further interpretation and recommended action.

 

Program Goals

• Annual community water testing

• Inspection and reporting on general sanitation

• Awareness activities and workshops on sanitation in classrooms

• Routine water quality testing

• Community food handling certification courses

• Promotion of the Drinking Water Safety Program

• Participation in World Water Day activities