Who: York University, Caroline DuncanWhat: This project will consist of water sampling and workshop activities as part of Caroline’s PhD research looking at optimizing water safety in Cambridge Bay through participatory modelling. The central research question explored in this project is: Can access to safe drinking water in Cambridge Bay be improved using participatory system dynamics modelling? The two main goals of the project are to collect quantitative and qualitative data that will be used to build the model and to use the model to identify water management, treatment, and policy leverage points that can be used to improve access to clean and safe drinking water for Cambridge Bay residents.Key objectives:1.Conduct an in-depth desktop review of water safety policy regulations and frameworks in Nunavut and water quality and operational records in Cambridge Bay 2.Identify technical water safety problems throughout the water system in Cambridge Bay from source to tap by assessing existing infrastructure and in-situ operational procedures and by collecting water quality samples from multiple points within the system 3.Gather qualitative data related to water access, policy, governance, and cultural considerations via participatory stakeholder engagement activities like public forums and focus groups4.Use participatory system dynamics modelling to identify key technical, policy, and cultural leverage points, weigh the risk of different safety water hazards, and ultimately improve water treatment and water policy in Cambridge Bay. Once the stakeholders have validated the baseline model, the model will be manipulated by the researchers and the stakeholders to explore how technical and policy changes could lead to improved access to clean and safe drinking water for the residents of Cambridge Bay.Water Sampling:Caroline Duncan employed youth will take water samples from the water source, multiple points within the water treatment plant (before and after filtration; after UV disinfection; after initial chlorination; within the storage tank; and during water truck filling); distribution, and from the cisterns and taps in 10 to 12 buildings in the community. Community members will be asked if they would like to volunteer for sampling in advance. Individuals that would like to volunteer will be required to allow researchers to access their cisterns and taps for a short period that is convenient for them. Water samples will be analyzed for standard water chemistry parameters, metals, and bacterial content. Samples will be analyzed in-house at the Canadian High Arctic Research Center by the students for basic water quality analysis and sent to an accredited lab for more extensive analysis. Each month approximately 70 samples will be taken. Approximately 840 L of water will be collected within the year for sampling. A CGS employee will be available to support the students with monthly sampling and analysis.Workshops:Caroline will organize workshops in Cambridge Bay to assess water system risks and factors impacting water safety. Subsequently, she will develop a dynamic model of the water system. The workshops will also share the water quality data collected by the employed students These students will help Caroline run the workshops. Why: water safety research in Nunavut is crucial for ensuring access to safe drinking water in the communities, the holistic approach of this project goes beyond regulations, actively involving communities in understanding their water systems and recommending improvements. This participatory approach fosters ownership and long-term sustainability. Capacity building is a key focus, employing students to receive water operator training and certification and establishing a potential succession plan for water plants. This investment in youth not only promotes personal development but also local employment and expertise. The research’s impact is far-reaching. It will identify weaknesses and areas for improvement by integrating socioeconomic, cultural and political factors. Enabling Cambridge Bay to apply for funding more effectively in water infrastructure. The project aligns with the evolving field of drinking water engineering, addressing disparities between remote and urban areas.The goal is to optimize water safety, bridging health and environmental gaps in Cambridge Bay. Co-creating interventions through quantitative analysis and participatory methods is hypothesized to improve overall water safety in Cambridge Bay. This project sets a precedent for inclusive and sustainable water management in the North. Where: The water sampling activities will be held within the municipal boundaries of Cambridge Bay. Workshop activities will be held in Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit to include Government Stakeholders. When: Water sampling will occur monthly from Nov 2023-2024, while workshop activities are scheduled from Nov 2023-March 2025.