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
Okanese First Nation as of May 27, 2026
Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system after upgrading and expanding the water plant and distribution system, and improving operations.
Long Plain First Nation as of May 25, 2026
Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on May 25, 2026, after replacing the watermain.
Mishkeegogamang First Nation as of May 5, 2026
Mishkeegogamang First Nation in Ontario lifted the drinking water advisory on the 63B public water system on May 5, 2026, after completing an upgrade and expansion of their water treatment plant.
Recently added long-term drinking water advisories
Cross Lake Band of Indians as of August 13, 2026
The drinking water advisory affecting the Cross Lake Natimek Public Water System in Manitoba became long-term on August 13, 2026, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 248 homes and 6 community buildings. The community completed majority of repairs needed to the water treatment system and is currently replacing the fire pumps.
Wahpeton Dakota Nation as of July 30, 2026
The drinking water advisory affecting Wahpeton Dakota Nation's Public Water System in Saskatchewan became long-term on July 30, 2026, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 75 homes and 4 community buildings. The community is currently working to address issues with the water treatment system and complete water testing to support the lifting of the boil water advisory.
Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of August 13, 2026
Text alternative for: Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
156 long-term drinking water advisories lifted since November 2015.
40 long-term drinking water advisories are in effect in 38 communities.
- 2026: 7 long-term drinking water advisories added and 6 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 August 13, 2026
Text alternative for: Progress on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
- 80% advisory lifted
- 10% project to address advisory complete, lift pending
- 8% project to address advisory under construction
- 1% 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.