Bringing Water To The Cabin: Vulnerability Of Drinking Water Systems Under A Changing Climate In Nunatsiavut, Labrador

Previous studies that document community observations of environmental change in Nunatsiavut have noted decreasing water levels in streams and ponds. Projected climate variability and warming may further diminish freshwater abundance, threatening community drinking water sources and influencing the performance of municipal water systems. Drawing upon the "Community Adaptation and Vulnerability in Arctic Regions" (CAVIAR) framework, this study assesses the current status of drinking water systems in Nunatsiavut and the vulnerability of these systems to present and future environmental and socio-economic changes through a case study in Kikiak (Rigolet), Nunatsiavut. The community case study will be situated within a regional assessment of water vulnerability across Nunatsiavut.

Within a mixed methods approach that integrates natural and social sciences with local knowledge, we have gathered community observations of environmental change related to freshwater supply, and have mapped reported changes in freshwater availability in the surrounding area. Data were collected through 89 household interviews (88% response rate), complemented by a review of the local climate record, downscaled climate scenarios, population forecasts, past performance history of municipal water systems, and a series of key-informant interviews.

Preliminary results confirm observations of previous studies noting decreased water levels of streams and ponds. Some former drinking water sources are no longer reliable, leading many to purchase water for land-based activities or to travel farther in search of freshwater, thereby increasing costs. Within the community, dissatisfaction with tap water characteristics has encouraged the continued access of traditional drinking water sources retrieved from running streams. The regular practice of visiting streams and ponds to gather water has increased local knowledge of freshwater attributes, sensitivities and seasonal and long-term variations, thereby increasing community capacity to adapt to current and future changes, reducing vulnerability.