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
Weenusk First Nation as of October 14, 2025
Weenusk First Nation in Ontario lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on October 14, 2025, after improving operations. A community-based water monitor is helping to keep the water safe.
Sweetgrass First Nation as of May 29, 2025
Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan lifted the drinking water advisory on their public water system on May 29, 2025, after completing upgrades and an expansion to their water treatment system.
Recently added long-term drinking water advisories
Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek First Nation as of August 29, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek First Nation, also known as Grassy Narrows First Nation, in Ontario, became long-term on August 29, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 210 homes and 16 community buildings. The community is currently planning the construction of a new water treatment plant to meet their long-term drinking water needs.
Shawanaga First Nation as of July 11, 2025
The drinking water advisory affecting Shawanaga First Nation in Ontario became long-term on July 11, 2025, as it has been in effect for more than 12 months. The advisory affects 101 homes and 10 community buildings. A long-term solution to restore reliable piped water distribution is currently being assessed. Once a recommendation is issued and implemented, it will support the lifting of the boil water advisory.
Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of October 14, 2025
Text alternative for: Long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of October 14, 2025
149 long-term drinking water advisories lifted since November 2015.
38 long-term drinking water advisories are in effect in 36 communities.
- 2025: 9 long-term drinking water advisories added and 2 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 October 14, 2025
Text alternative for: Progress on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as of October 14, 2025
- 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.