Domestic access to water in a decentralized truck-to-cistern system: a case study in the Northern Village of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Canada)

• Published in: Journal of Water and Health
• Main Authors: Alexandra Cassivi, Anne Carabin, Caetano Dorea, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Stéphanie Guilherme
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: IWA Publishing 2024
• Subjects: arctic; domestic access; drinking water; indigenous peoples; truck-to-cistern; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Kangiqsualujjuaq; Nunavik
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2024.246; https://doaj.org/article/a48bd847326a4665904107ba1e7c3ee9

Municipal water supply through truck-to-cistern systems is common in northern Canada. Household satisfaction and concerns about water services likely impact user preferences and practices. This case study explores household perspectives and challenges with regard to domestic access to water in a decentralized truck-to-cistern system. A case study was conducted in the Northern Village of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec, Canada). A paper-based questionnaire was completed by 65 households (one quarter of the population). Many households (37%) reported not drinking tap water from the truck-to-cistern system. Chlorine taste was a frequently reported concern, with those households being significantly less likely to drink water directly from the tap (p = 0.002). Similarly, households that reported a water shortage in the previous week (i.e., no water from the tap at least once) (33%) were more likely to express dissatisfaction with delivered water quantity (rs = 0.395, p = 0.004). Interestingly, 77% of households preferred using alternative drinking water sources for drinking purposes, such as public tap at the water treatment plant, natural sources or bottled water. The study underscores the importance of considering household perspectives to mitigate the risks associated with service disruptions and the use of alternative sources for drinking purposes. HIGHLIGHTS Northern communities served by truck-to-cistern face substantial challenges in accessing safe drinking water.; A significant proportion of households refrain from using tap water for domestic purposes.; The taste of chlorine emerges as a prevalent concern among residents regarding water quality and safety.; Retrieving drinking water from untreated natural sources remains a common cultural practice in Indigenous households.;