Water Quality and Human Health in Indigenous Communities in Canada

Each year in Canada, there are an estimated 90 deaths and approximately 90,000 illnesses caused by contaminated drinking water. These estimates are likely low due to under-reporting. A disproportionate number of these illnesses occur in Indigenous communities where poor water quality, inadequate treatment of drinking water, lack of running water and poor sanitation, and substandard health services all contribute to a growing public health problem.