Various First Nations rely on surface water and groundwater, however, the groundwater is under the direct influence of the surface water. Their water quality is directly connected to the watershed and the source of the water. Hence why if the water source is contaminated with any bacteria or heavy metals, then the drinking water has a high chance of being impacted as well. This is highly likely in areas without water treatment plants (Yenilmez, 2021).

First Nations reserves fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government however, the responsibility for the protection and provision of the water falls under the federal government. Canada not having a baseline standard for water quality causes poor quality in First Nations communities (Yenilmez, 2021).

Many First Nations reserves are located in the remote areas of Canada. In these communities, there is a lack of infrastructure which undermines construction projects. If there is no infrastructure it creates a barrier when constructing pipes and water treatment plants (Yenilmez, 2021).

High-risk and unsafe water makes First Nations communities more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses such as Cholera, Typhoid, Amoebiasis and more. It also increases their exposure to chemical contaminants, which can create long-term impacts such as gastrointestinal illnesses, skin problems like eczema and skin cancers, and birth defects to increased risk of cancer (Xue Luo, 2021)

Inadequate access to safe and sustainable drinking water damages First Nations' spiritual connection to water and the importance that water has in their community. For example, water is seen as a medicine for First Nations people however without water or access to safe water it prevents them from using this medicine (McDonald et al. 2021).

Things like ceremonies, customary fishing, hunting practices and ways of teaching children and sharing traditional knowledge with them are all impacted when the water becomes contaminated. This prevents children from learning about their identity and can result in tradition and the culture slowly fading away (McDonald et al. 2021).