A ‘Safe Water Project’ based out of Dryden is minimizing and preventing boil water advisories in remote First Nations.
Keewaytinook Okimakanak has been training first nations adults to manage and monitor the quality of drinking water.
All of the work is being done at the Centre.
KO Public Works Manager Barry Strachan says for far too long they have been reacting to water problems.
Strachan says they are trying to build a bottom up approach, where they are supporting community members to solve their own issues, without intervention from third parties.
He notes by preventing and predicting boil water advisories, the confidence is built up among consumers.
Strachan adds the program instills confidence in the water system and hope for future generations.
He says the initiative empowers communities to effectively monitor and manage the quality of drinking water.
Strachan calls the program the “best kept secret” in water treatment in the region and notes they train roughly 200-operators annually.
