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
Rainy River First Nations as of April 13, 2026
River First Nations' in Ontario lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on April 13, 2026, after completing an upgrade and expansion of their water treatment plant.
Deer Lake First Nation as of April 9, 2026
Deer Lake First Nation in Ontario lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on April 9, 2026, after completing repairs to the system and improving operations and water quality monitoring.
Berens River First Nation as of January 6, 2026
Berens River First Nation in Manitoba lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on January 6, 2026, after completing upgrades to the water treatment plant, flushing the distribution system, and cleaning the reservoir.
Recently added long-term drinking water advisories
Long Plain First Nation as of April 16, 2026
The drinking water advisory affecting Long Plain First Nation, in Manitoba, became long-term on April 16, 2026, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 33 homes and 12 community buildings. The community is working on replacing their watermain to support lifting the advisory.
Mishkeegogamang First Nation as of March 27, 2026
The drinking water advisory affecting the Erik Lake Public Water System of Mishkeegogamang First Nation, in Ontario, became long-term on March 27, 2026, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 7 homes. The community is planning upcoming repairs to their water treatment plant to support lifting the advisory.
Pauingassi First Nation as of March 21, 2026
The drinking water advisory affecting Pauingassi First Nation, in Manitoba, became long-term on March 21, 2026, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 130 homes and 4 community buildings. The community is working on repairs to their water treatment plant to support lifting the advisory.
Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of April 16, 2026
Text alternative for: Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
153 long-term drinking water advisories lifted since November 2015.
40 long-term drinking water advisories are in effect in 37 communities.
- 2026: 4 long-term drinking water advisories added and 3 lifted
- 2025: 11 long-term drinking water advisories added and 3 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 April 16, 2026
Text alternative for: Progress on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
- 79% advisory lifted
- 11% project to address advisory complete, lift pending
- 7% project to address advisory under construction
- 2% 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.