Risk Assessment Approaches for Source Waters Accessed by Indigenous Peoples in Canada, USA, New Zealand, and Australia: A Scoping Review

Abstract:

Source water protection plans (SWPPs) are part of a multi-barrier approach to drinking water safety that is being increasingly used by local, national, and international organizations around the world. In colonial or post-colonial nations, SWP programs and guidelines mandated by federal, provincial, and state governments are often not considered reflective of Indigenous community values. New SWPP frameworks are required for SWP efforts to be effective at protecting water accessed by Indigenous peoples. This scoping review builds upon previous research on SWPP application in Indigenous communities by focusing specifically on the risk assessment process (a stage of SWPP development) and how it has been applied in Indigenous communities in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Through a formal scoping review process, researchers identified peer-reviewed publications and grey literature that report on risk assessment (or alternative evaluative frameworks) used to protect water sources accessed by Indigenous peoples in the specified geographical areas. Extensive analysis of the available literature was performed, and the nature, use, outcomes, research gaps, limitations, challenges, and potential steps forward for the application of risk assessment processes were identified and discussed. This work will support Indigenous communities and their government and industry partners who are seeking to ensure water safety and security.