Grassy Narrows First Nation has faced a wide variety of water supply, quality, and management challenges. The community has endured years of severe water pollution resulting from nearby industrial activities and poorly designed treatment infrastructure. Of the challenges that will persist or emerge, wastewater management is likely to present the most serious threat. This research proposes that Grassy Narrows install a wastewater re-use facility to treat wastewater to a potable standard. Given the lost history of water challenges, maintaining reliable and well-functioning water systems is paramount for the community’s wellbeing. Installing a wastewater re-use facility would proactively bring the community additional capacity and resources for managing an uncertain future while maintaining sovereignty and autonomy as a First Nation.
