Supervised by:

Stéphanie Guilherme (Regular member)

Co-supervised by:

Isabelle Laurion (Regular member)

Research project description

Characterization, risk assessment and protection strategies of alternative water sources in Nunavik: Pilot project in Kangiqsualujjuaq

IntroductionIn many Inuit communities of Nunavik where treated water is delivered to dwellings by tank trucks, a portion of the population consumes raw water collected from alternative sources. Raw water consumption habits and the motives to consume untreated water vary within and between the communities. Unfortunately, raw water presents risks to public health through microbiological and chemical contamination. These risks are largely unknown and have yet to be documented. This project is developed in response to concerns identified by the communities and will contribute to ensuring a reliable, safe and sustainable supply of drinking water in the communities by integrating their consumption habits and traditional knowledge. ObjectivesThe global objective is to conduct an exhaustive characterization of alternative and secondary sources of water and to develop a risk assessment method. Protection strategies specifically designed for alternative and secondary sources will also be adapted to the context of northern villages. Study sitesFreshwater bodies surrounding the town of Kangiqsulujjuaq, Nunavik, will be assessed. Their initial selection was carried out in collaboration with local stakeholders and users. The four water bodies identified are used as sources of raw water and are accessible by ATV. Material and methodsThe proposed approach combines the analysis of raw water consumption habits with an exhaustive characterization of alternative sources of water. To identify risk indicators and their precursors, the analyses will go beyond water treatability parameters. Sampling campaigns will be conducted during critical contamination periods (spring, following snowmelt and summer). The analysis of a wide range of parameters will allow us to understand the seasonal fluctuations in water quality and to identify contaminant precursors. This information combined with consumption habits and traditional knowledge will be used to develop a global protection strategy. Expected resultsBy identifying contamination risks, a protection strategy encompassing source protection and management tools will be developed, contributing to a safe access to raw water. The resulting protection strategy will be adapted to the reality of northern villages.

Research Site Coordinates