Province Information - Nunavut Territory, Canada

Nunavut is the newest territory to join the Federation of Canada separating from the North West Territories in 1999.  Nunavut comprises a major portion of Northern Canada, and most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and has both the largest land base and the smallest population of the Canadian provinces and territories.  Small populations of some communities (Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Nanisivic) have water supplied through above-ground piping (16%).  Generally Nunavut customers are delivered water through trucking.  Operating costs are high but there is a lower investment in construction and maintenance making it the most economical solution in the north.  Water usage among customers receiving trucked service is generally less than 200 L/capita/day.  All customers are metered.
1. What provincial ministry, department or agencies are in charge of water conservation/efficiency?

Nunavut Water Board

The Nunavut Water Board (NWB) was created under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (“NCLA”) in 1996.  The NWB's mandate “over the use, management and regulation of inland water in Nunavut and its objects are to provide for the conservation and utilization of waters in Nunavut--except in national parks--in a manner that will provide the optimum benefits for the residents of Nunavut.”

2. Does the province require preparation of drought emergency plans by water utilities or cities on any prescribed schedule?
No.
3. Does the province have a mandatory planning requirement for drinking water conservation separate from drought emergency plans?

No
Additional Information:

Related Links:
4. Does the province require implementation of conservation measures as well as preparation of plans?
No

Additional Information:
Although water efficiency and conservation aren't addressed directly, the Nunavut Water Board is prohibited from issuing, renewing, or amending a licence that could have a substantial adverse affect on the quality, quantity, or rate of flow of waters through Inuit-owned land (unless the applicant has entered into an agreement with the Inuit to compensate for any loss or damage or the Board has determined the appropriate compensation). 

5. Does the province have the authority to approve or reject the conservation plans?

plan completeness?

No

satisfactory content?

No

Additional Information:
No plans are required.

Related Links:
6. Does the province have minimum water efficiency standards more stringent than federal or national requirements?
No

Nunavut has adopted the 2005 National Building Code.

The National Building Code of Canada is the model building code of Canada. It is issued by the Institute for Research and Construction (IRC), a part of the National Research Council of Canada. As a model code, it has no legal status until it is adopted by a jurisdiction that regulates construction. The Provinces and Territories of Canada are allowed to adopt parts or all of the code and to alter the code as they see fit.

The National Building Code is currently undergoing revisions and a proposal was made in 2008 to update the Non-potable Water Systems section 2.7.4 to include design requirements in accordance with CSA B128.1 and to limit use of non-potable water to water closets, urinals, and directly connected underground irrigation systems.

As of 2005 the National Plumbing Code does not explicitly mandate the use of water efficient fixtures – instead it references the ASME A112.18.1-2005 / CSA B125.1-2005 standards which dictate maximum flush volumes of 13.2 litres, maximum flow rates of 8.3 litres per minute (Lpm) for lavatory and kitchen faucets, and 9.5 Lpm for showerheads. The National Plumbing Code currently allows non-potable sources to be used with dual plumbing systems within the home for fixtures other than sinks and faucets, and rainwater to be used for underground irrigation.

7. Does the province regulate drinking water supplies and require conservation as part of its permitting process or water right permit?
Yes

The quality of drinking water supplies is regulated through the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act (2002).

Responsibility for providing drinking water and wastewater services to First Nations is shared among Band Councils, Health Canada, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).  INAC provides funding to assist with the provision of water and wastewater services within reserve communities.

Water conservation is not required as part of its permitting process or water right permit.

The Nunavut Water Board administers water permits and does not explicitly discuss water efficiency but does have the authority to require water conservation measures as a condition of licensing or water right permits.  It should be noted that this authority has not been exercised yet.


8. Does the province support water conservation under its Drinking Water or Wastewater infrastructure funding programs?

Drinking Water?

No

Waste Water?

No

Additional Information:

Canada does not have a revolving fund for infrastructure loans. Federally, the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides grants for up to 50% of project costs, or below-market, low interest loans of up to 80% of project costs. FCM is an advocacy organization; however the Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish the GMF program.

The GMF funds municipal projects and studies, which have included feasibility studies of water conservation programs, water distribution system leak detection and control projects, plumbing retrofit programs, wastewater recycling, and sustainable community plans involving water conservation. At this time, the funding focus for capital projects is on wastewater, while sustainable community plans, conservation-related studies, and field tests continue to be eligible.

The Building Canada plan is the primary mechanism in Canada for funding water and wastewater infrastructure, and encompasses a number of funds including provincial and municipal base funding, gas tax funds, and the Building Canada fund. Over half of the funding under the Building Canada plan is provided as base funding to municipalities, and the funds are generally administered by the provinces. The Building Canada fund promotes long-term funding of water infrastructure projects, including projects designed to improve conservation of water. Funding focuses on improved treatment standards that emphasize the protection of human health. The projects are required to be supported by measures that improve the management of sources of drinking water, reduce demands, and improve the management of drinking water infrastructure.

All projects are cost shared, generally in equal thirds between federal/provincial/municipal governments. The Building Canada fund operates through two components: the Major Infrastructure Component (MIC) that targets large strategic projects of national and regional significance, and the Communities Component that focuses on projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000.

To date, funded projects have focused on centralized infrastructure as opposed to conservation efforts, with the exception of metering. Capital cost funding projects must result in a tangible capital asset. Planning costs are also eligible, which could potentially support the development of water conservation plans.


9. Does the province offer other financial assistance? Environmental grants? Rebates? Tax Exemptions?
No.
10. Does the province offer direct or indirect technical assistance to the public?
No.
11. Does the province provide provincial ET microclimate information?
No.
12. Does the province have a water conservation and efficiency strategy?
No


Additional Information:

13. Does the province have standards for alternative water sources?
No



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