A group focused on eliminating the 41 existing long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting water treatment plant workers to achieve this goal. Nearly half of these advisories are in areas with infrastructure capable of producing clean water. Water Movement, a group dedicated to ending these advisories by connecting and assisting water and wastewater treatment operators, believes that acknowledging the efforts of local water operators is crucial.
Rod Badger, a former water operator from Sucker Creek First Nation in Alberta, highlighted the significance of water operators in providing communities access to safe drinking and washing water. He emphasized that running a treatment plant is a collaborative effort, even in small communities like Sucker Creek. Badger stressed the need for multiple trained operators to prevent disruptions in water services during emergencies.
Badger, who transitioned to a trainer role after working as a water operator, emphasized the importance of promoting the water operator profession to attract more individuals to the field. Water Movement advocates for the recognition of National Indigenous Water Operator Day in March to highlight the essential role of water operators. The group recently held its fifth annual event in Banff, Alberta, where operators gathered to share insights and strategies.
Despite facing challenges such as infrastructure limitations and staffing issues, water operators in First Nations are often underappreciated. Bita Malekian, the executive director of Water Movement, referred to them as “frontline heroes” whose contributions are sometimes overlooked. She mentioned that water operators were excluded from essential services lists during the pandemic, impacting their recognition and support within communities.
Communities are more willing to invest in equipment than in training and compensating water operators. Badger echoed this sentiment, noting resistance from some communities to adequately support their water operators. He stressed the importance of valuing and investing in water operators to rebuild community trust in water quality, as many communities have lost faith in their tap water.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced plans to introduce new legislation to improve clean drinking water access in First Nations communities, coinciding with World Water Day celebrations on March 22. The federal government also pledged $2.3 billion in funding for the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program starting in 2026.