Projects
Community water systems: Climate vulnerabilities and resilience opportunities
Conducting Pilot Study of Potential Treatment Options
Increasing Public Works Capacity in Remote Communities through Operators’ Walkthrough Lab (OWL)
First Nations Water Systems Locator
This map shows First Nations water systems in British Columbia and Yukon. Our goal is to secure funding to create a peer network directory of all different water systems so operators can share and learn best practices.
Past Projects
Shifting from Sequential to Simultaneous
The Kleekhoot Reserve of the Hupacasath First Nation lacks a water treatment system. To maximize their investment, the community is exploring cost-effective solutions like UBC’s passive membrane technology. This community-driven effort, supported by FNHA, focuses on simplicity, low maintenance, and ongoing operator training.
Breaking with Conventions
The Siska Indian Band in BC's Fraser Canyon faces water issues, including low pressure, limited storage, and no treatment. A collaborative project with local and external partners is developing a customized solution to address these challenges.
Leveraging a Stalemate
T’it’q’et’s Towinock IR#2 in BC is upgrading its water system, exploring UV disinfection and emergency chlorination to address chlorine allergies in the community.
Studying Best Practices, Together
Van Anda Improvement District on Texada Island, BC, faced frequent water advisories due to coliform contamination. The community explored various treatment options, piloted them, and secured a provincial grant. An open house helped address community concerns and ensured a collaborative approach.
The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
Lytton First Nation lifted a decade-long Boil Water Advisory in 2015 by collaborating with experts to test and implement cost-effective water treatment solutions.
Taking a Longer View
Kluskus village IR#1 addressed high iron and manganese levels and contamination risks by exploring new water sources and treatment options, ultimately implementing a sustainable solution approved by health authorities and funding agencies.
Our Approach is Different
When presented with a water quality challenge, we design for strong community ownership. This means gradual change, deliberate management, and successful handoffs.
We pay special attention to the challenges that innovation can place on each community and highlight areas that must not be compromised. Needed experts are recruited early and intentionally.
We ensure our insights are independent, objective, and tailored to each community’s goals and priorities to build trust and confidence.
