Indian & Northern Affairs Canada March 10, 2010 On-Site Water and Wastewater Systems - First Nations Water Symposium Matthew Hough, P.Eng. Infrastructure Engineer Community Infrastructure Branch 1

Background  More than 8 million Canadians rely on on-site water and wastewater systems (such as wells and septic systems) for their water service needs.  Despite the proven efficacy of on-site systems, 65% of First Nations (most of which have populations less than 500) are on piped water systems, which are expensive and complicated to operate. 2

Commitment to on-site systems  Departmental directives have not permitted the use of capital funds for water or wastewater systems that serve fewer than five household connections.  On April 15, 2008, Minister Strahl announced the details of the FNWWAP, which included a commitment to fund communal systems that employ on-site installations. 3

Policy revised  A revised policy directive was developed in consultation with regional INAC staff and Health Canada.  It was approved by INAC’s Departmental Operations Committee in December

Policy highlights The updated policy:  Provides regions the ability to support on-site water and wastewater systems where appropriate; and  Makes on-site water and wastewater systems (including wells, septic systems, cisterns, and in-house drinking water treatment units) eligible to be funded from water infrastructure funds, when the services are managed communally by a First Nation or a qualified third party. 5

Decentralised systems What is a decentralised system?  A centralized water system is a communally managed system incorporating a central treatment plant using pipes to distribute water to a series of service connections.  A decentralized system employs communally managed on-site installations (such as wells and septic systems) to deliver water services. The on- site systems are communally managed and maintained (they are NOT individually managed). 6

Feasibility studies  Feasibility studies must consider the service alternatives (including on-site systems) in ranked order as set out in the Level of Service Standard.  Justification for progressing to the next level of service must be included.  The most economically feasible, physically appropriate system to meet the water and wastewater needs of the community in question shall be chosen. 7

Application of the DSP  Where on-site systems are identified as the most appropriate and viable level of service the Protocol for Decentralized Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities (DSP) must be followed.  The DSP references standards and codes for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of on-site systems that will be funded by INAC. 8

O&M funding  The O&M policy directive will be revised to reflect the changes to the water and wastewater policy directive.  Funding will be provided for the construction and ongoing O&M of future community servicing that is based on communally managed on-site systems that are designed, installed, and maintained according to standards set out in the DSP. 9

Existing on-site systems  Funding for capital and O&M will not be extended to existing on-site systems at this time.  An approach to existing, communally managed on-site systems will be developed in future, informed by the findings of the National Assessment. 10

Highlights of the DSP  The Protocol for Decentralised Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities (DSP) covers:  on-site water systems (ex: wells);  cisterns;  drinking water treatment units (DWTUs); and  on-site wastewater systems (ex: septics). 11

Highlights of the DSP (cont’d)  For each type of system, the DSP specifies recommended minimum standards for:  design;  construction/Installation;  operations and Maintenance;  monitoring; and  record keeping and reporting. 12

Highlights of the DSP (cont’d)  The DSP will be a ‘living document’ and will be refined continuously to reflect feedback from First Nations infrastructure experts and other interested stakeholders.  Protocols are being finalized and will be posted online in the spring. 13

Summation  INAC has decided to ensure that future decentralized installations are better designed, constructed, and managed.  Going forward we will employ best practices for on-site systems which, ideally, will result in better managed systems that are both safe and economical. 14

Wastewater Protocol  INAC has also developed a Protocol for wastewater systems in First Nations communities, entitled: Protocol for Centralised Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities.  Before finalising this draft document, INAC-HQ solicited feedback from First Nations water experts and other stakeholders.  The new wastewater protocol was revised to reflect all feedback. 15

Drinking Water Protocol  INAC-HQ recently solicited feedback from First Nations water experts and other stakeholders on INAC’s drinking water protocol, which has been in effect since March  The drinking water protocol was revised to reflect all feedback obtained to date.  The title of the document was changed and is now: Protocol for Centralised Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities. 16

Next steps  Develop approach to existing wells and septic systems, using findings of National Assessment.  Assess the risks associated with individual systems, and revise the existing risk assessment tool to capture these risks. 17

Final Note  INAC’s water protocols have evolved and will continue to evolve based on feedback from users and other stakeholders.  Instructions on how to provide feedback are now printed on the front covers of all INAC water protocols. 18

Questions?  Comments and questions on the protocols can be submitted at any time to: normes- 19