University of Saskatchewan

Purpose

Groundwater is the principal drinking water source for Greater Whitehorse Area (GWA) residents. However, preliminary data show a high proportion of local untreated groundwater samples that have metal(oid) concentrations exceeding safe drinking-water limits. There is significant local need to identify sources and drivers of groundwater metal(loid) contamination in the GWA. The GWA is experiencing rapid population growth, growing groundwater demand, and has thousands of unregulated private water wells. This project combines sampling, analysis, modelling, and traditional knowledge to improve understanding of the spatial distribution of dissolved metal(oid)s and the underlying processes driving this groundwater contamination. These activities benefit from existing relationships and ongoing engagement among local partner organizations that include municipal, territorial, and First Nations governments and local academics. Overall, this project will support training, generate information, translate knowledge, and build capacity to improve water security for GWA residents and, potentially, other subarctic regions susceptible to geogenic metal(loid) contamination.