What is this Project?

This study identifies necessary upgrades to ensure a reliable and safe drinking water supply for Schkam IR2, following well issues in October 2023.

The feasibility study will assess the existing Schkam IR2 community water system and recommends upgrades required to provide an adequate and reliable supply of safe drinking water for the current and future population. The project was initiated following ongoing issues with the wells and lack of water observed in October 2023. The feasibility scope includes evaluating water sources and the associated treatment and disinfection requirements, the distribution system, storage improvements to ensure demands for current and future population are met, and water security measures to address the unauthorized use of the system.

The benefits to completing the feasibility will be to develop a prioritized, phased plan to address immediate water source issues and long-term upgrades necessary for the system to remain resilient. As a component of this project a new well was drilled at Schkam. Testing of the well demonstrated sufficient supply and quality of water. Next steps include the design and construction of the new well connection which are underway as the “Interim Water Upgrades Design Project” and installation of new fencing, locks, and security cameras around the pumphouse to improve source water security.

How Has the Community Been Engaged?

Feedback on water system improvements at Schkam IR#2 was sought from the community through:

• Community Open House Session (October 3^rd, 2024)
  • Drinking Water Presentation hosted by FNHA (October 3^rd, 2024)
• Hard Copy and interactive online community survey (October – November 2024)
  • 109 survey respondents
• Community Open House Session (November 5^th, 2024)
• February 04 Open House – Follow Up Presentation by FNHA
  • Over 110 attendees

Through the Infrastructure survey, members living on and off-reserve were able to provide feedback on topics relating to preference for drinking water including: chlorine for water disinfection, water connection to the District of Hope, and priority of water system upgrades with respect to other infrastructure upgrades.

Through the three open house sessions and the Learning Lesson by FNHA, all comments provided through these sessions were recorded and integrated into the reporting and recommended upgrades.