Tories Spell Out Reserve Water Quality Plan

Tories Spell Out Reserve Water Quality Plan

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 15:53

A director with Indian Affairs says fundamental changes will be made to the regulation of drinking water on reserves.

Yesterday, Ottawa announced more details on a federal plan to create a legislative framework over the system.

There are currently no firm guidelines for the operation and standards of First Nations drinking water.

Spokesman Marc Brooks says more training for water operators is on the way, as well as a review of drinking water systems.

Brooks says cost-effective solutions for each reserve will be considered — including the use of wells, cisterns, and septic tanks.

Brooks says he realizes those options won’t be the perfect solution in many communities, but he says the government must be open to all possibilities in order to make the allocated funds stretch further.

He acknowledges consultation with bands will need to happen before any new regulations are announced.