Supervised by:

Stéphanie Guilherme (Regular member)

Research project description

Treatability of northern secondary water sources, case study in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik

IntroductionAs in many other Nunavik communities, the effects of climate change, population growth and an improved standard of living are threatening water availability in the community of Kangiqsualujjuaq. This community is therefore looking to identify an additional possible water source for the village. Climate warming at high latitudes is projected to be more pronounced than at low latitudes, leading to increased temperatures and precipitation, which significantly affects the quality and availability of surface water. Thawing permafrost may also transfer organic matter and contaminants (chemical, biological) to surface waters. The water treatment plant is supplied by a surface water, and treated with UV disinfection followed by chlorination, meaning that the treatment is vulnerable to the variability of the source water quality. These changes will not only impact the quality of source water but also that of distributed water. ObjectivesIt is vital to fully understand and quantify the factors responsible for the variations in surface water quality observed within this region, and its effect on the quality of the treated drinking water provided to consumers, in order to make an informed recommendation which would be the best option for an additional source of water for the village. Therefore, my objectives are: To develop a model relating the raw surface water quality to the quality of treated water supplied by the Kangiqsualujjuaq’s treatment plant. To use this model to assess treatability of potential additional water sources surrounding the village. To conduct a detailed assessment of the hazards and risks associated with each additional potential water source. To use the model outputs and results of the risk assessments to recommend the best option for an additional water source for the community. Study sitesMy research will focus on Kangiqsualujjuaq, the easternmost community in Nunavik, which is situated on the east side of Ungava Bay near the mouth of the George River. It is an Inuit community of 942 residents. Material and methodsI will use a range of sensors and instruments to measure and monitor local weather conditions, surface source water quality, and treated water quality year-round. I will collect and conduct laboratory analysis on water samples from both source and treated water. I will use a range of different software (R, Python, Matlab and ArcGIS) to develop my model. Expected resultsIt is expected that this research project will result in sustainably increased availability of high-quality water for the residents of Kangiqsualujjuaq, as well as a better understanding of the relationship between local weather conditions and water quality for the treatment plant operators.

Research Site Coordinates