In rural Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), watersheds provide drinking water supplies while also supporting other resources and activities that form our culture, identity, and economy. Healthy drinking water supplies are dependent on healthy watersheds as well as on supporting water policies, practices and infrastructure.
This study will identify the types of risks and challenges influencing drinking water quality and availability in rural areas, with a particular emphasis on communities of 1,000 residents or less in NL. There are four major components of this research study that will be assessed:
- source water quality and quantity;
- policy and governance;
- public perception, awareness, and demand; and
- water distribution infrastructure and municipal water supply.
This interdisciplinary research addresses knowledge gaps related to drinking water systems in NL by providing a current and comprehensive picture of drinking water issues in small communities from a multitude of angles. This will be accomplished by drawing from current and past research and existing sources at federal, provincial and municipal levels, as well as research from other jurisdictions. Dialogue with stakeholders will also be a key component for understanding issues and solutions for drinking water systems in NL.