There are now nearly 30 Saskatchewan First Nations using the technology developed at Yellow Quill, with more in the works, according to Deon Hassler, a water technician and circuit rider for the File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council. Early adopters included Yellow Quill, George Gordon, Whitecap Dakota, Dakota Dunes, Kawacatoose, Poundmaker, Muskeg Lake, Witchikan Lake, Saulteaux, James Smith, Makwa Sahgaiehcan, Shoal Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Mistawasis, Kahkewistahaw, Kinistin and White Bear. “Bio filtration seems to be spreading across First Nations in Saskatchewan because it’s in line with the worldview of treating water with respect and treating organisms with respect,” says Zagozewski.

Experts say there are contamination risks with the transport of water as well. “You could have contamination with the hose at the treatment plant, if it’s not properly guarded and disinfected. You could have contamination because the truck is dirty,” said Zagozewski. According to the 2018 First Nations Regional Health Survey, people were less likely to consider their water safe for drinking if it was trucked in. The survey, conducted by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) and its regional partners, is the only First Nations-governed national health survey of First Nations reserve and Northern communities.