Ontario, CA — Another Ontario First Nation declared a state of emergency over water quality after test results showed an alarming level of harmful chemicals. Early July, Attawapiskat, a Cree First Nation found potentially harmful levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids in their tap water. Not long after, Eabametoong First Nation also declared a state of emergency after results showed levels of THMs almost 180 per cent above Health Canada’s safety standards.
THMs are a chemical by product of chlorine, which is injected into water systems for disinfection purposes. THMs will form when such water contains a high level of naturally occurring organic compounds. Coming in contact with THMs can cause a burning sensation, redness and blistering on the skin. Prolonged exposures can also lead to an increased risk of cancer. Unfortunately, THMs cannot be treated by boiling water. It can only be properly managed and eliminated at water treatment plants.
The battle for indigenous communities to have access to safe and clean water has been a long-standing battle. In the past, many northern Ontario First Nations received boil water advisories. The advisories were resolved through the Safe Water Project, which is a First Nations initiative that empowers communities through three integrated components: (1) provide training and certification to local water operators; (2) offer operational support to local water operators as they pursue certification; and (3) deploy proven Canadian-made technology to monitor the quality of drinking water on a continuous real-time basis.
A.U.G. Signals Ltd. played a key role in the project by providing TRITON Intelligent Water Surveillance system, which is used as a real-time water quality monitoring technology. Triton traces the source of contamination, providing an early alarm notification so that authorities can start treating the water right away and prevent contaminated water from reaching to residents’ home. Triton’s THM Analyzer is currently being tested at the drinking water facility in the municipality of Smiths Falls, in collaboration with The University of Toronto since 2017. The successful test results were featured in the newsletter by The Southern Ontario Water Consortium (SOWC).
In order to prevent unclean water from reaching to families, consistent, proactive and collaborative efforts must be taken. At water treatment plants, it is important to ensure proper training, operations and maintenance are happening. Any small negligence could make a big impact on the efforts to protect First Nation communities against unsafe water.