Ensuring a safe, healthy water supply
Environmental health technicians’ Jerott Mark and Andrew Kaquitts joined Stoney Health Services in late 2020 and began a several-months’ long water monitoring project, with funding provided by Environment Canada.
Stoney Health Services is taking drinking water samples from all homes on the reserve, which are then tested to ensure a safe, healthy community water supply. As part of the testing, Jerrot and Andrew also locate, assess and survey the homes’ cistern or well, and the septic field to determine future maintenance requirements.
Both technicians bring years of carpentry experience, a strong understanding of plumbing and water systems and importantly, a love of their community.
When asked what they hope comes from their work, Jerott spoke up, “to see water systems that need to upgraded get done.”
Andrew added, “Good clean, drinking water. I want better drinking water for everyone.”
The crew expect to complete testing on the Chiniki First Nation (southside of the Trans-Canada Highway) this summer and plan to move the homes on the centre and northside of the reserve this fall and early winter. Their work doesn’t depend on the weather – they are on the road rain, shine, smoky days or snow (yikes, let’s not mention that yet.)
Find out more about the environmental water monitoring project and check out the photo gallery for a sample of their workday.
