Atlantic First Nations Water Authority

Atlantic First Nations Water Authority Leading progress, innovation, and long-term solutions for water and wastewater services in Atlantic Canada First Nations.

AFNWA is a First Nations owned non–profit organization incorporated under the Canada Not–for–Profit Corporations Act on July 18, 2018. With a service approach based on social, economic, and environmental outcomes, AFNWA will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades of all water and wastewater assets in participating First Nations. The utility will be fully operational by

Spring 2022 and led by a Board of Directors of up to 15 members, including 12 from First Nations leadership and three (3) technical experts. AFNWA’s Board currently consists of nine (9) First Nations Chiefs and is chaired by Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek. AFNWA will apply First Nations traditional knowledge and culture emphasizing environmental stewardship, the spiritual aspects of water, and Two–Eyed Seeing. “Two–Eyed Seeing”, as defined by Albert Marshall Sr., “is an approach to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and to see from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and to use both of these eyes together.”

Elders play crucial roles in Indigenous communities, as First Nations have both formal and informal leadership. To ensure AFNWA always aligns with First Nations values, culture and knowledge, Elders will guide the Board through an advisory committee. The Elders Advisory Lodge (EAL) consists of five (5) Elders approved by the Board, with regional representation.

AFNWA crews will be in Membertou tomorrow, Thursday, August 27, conducting routine leak detection work throughout the co...
08/26/2026

AFNWA crews will be in Membertou tomorrow, Thursday, August 27, conducting routine leak detection work throughout the community. Leak detection helps identify potential leaks in the water system before they become larger problems.

This work is a preventative measure, and there will be no disruption to water service while the work is taking place.

Community members may notice AFNWA crews working around the community during this time.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue working to protect and maintain your community’s water system.

08/21/2026

Lead Sampling Program Starting Next Week!

The Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) will begin its annual residential lead water sampling program next week in member communities. This important monitoring program helps establish a baseline of lead and copper levels in drinking water and supports the ongoing commitment to safe, reliable drinking water.

Water samples will be collected from a small number of homes by AFNWA staff and the process takes only a few minutes. Results will be shared directly with participating households, and overall findings will help inform future water system planning and monitoring efforts.

If you have questions about the program, please call 1-(902)-603-0312

Send a message to learn more

Heading to Sipkne’katik for the 2026 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games? Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle!The A...
08/19/2026

Heading to Sipkne’katik for the 2026 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games? Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle!

The Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) has set up water bottle refill stations at:

📍 The Ball Field (right outfield)
📍 Near LSK School

The refill stations are available for athletes, families, volunteers and community members throughout the Games. Stop by, fill up and stay hydrated!

We’re proud to support the 2026 NSMSG and help keep everyone refreshed throughout the Games.

Good luck to all the athletes! 🏅

Water Conservation Notice: Pictou Landing First NationAs part of ongoing upgrades to Pictou Landing’s water system, ther...
08/11/2026

Water Conservation Notice: Pictou Landing First Nation

As part of ongoing upgrades to Pictou Landing’s water system, there will be planned daily shutdowns at the Water Treatment Facility from August 17–21, 2026.

🕗 Daily shutdown hours: Approximately 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

During these hours, the Water Treatment Facility will temporarily be unable to produce water, and the community will be supplied by water stored in the water tower. To help maintain adequate water levels and pressure, we are asking residents to conserve water as much as reasonably possible during the shutdown hours.

Where possible, please limit high-water-use activities such as:
• Doing laundry
• Washing vehicles
• Other non-essential water use

We do not expect interruptions to water service or noticeable reductions in water pressure. This request is precautionary and will help maintain adequate water levels in the tower throughout the work.

Why is this work being done?
AFNWA is replacing the high-lift pumps and process piping at the Water Treatment Facility. These upgrades will help increase the capacity and reliability of the community’s water system.

If you experience a noticeable loss of water pressure or issues with your water service during this work, please contact AFNWA at (902)-603-0312.

Wela’lin / Thank you to Pictou Landing residents for your cooperation while these important upgrades are completed.

08/09/2026

Draw time

08/09/2026

Wagmatcook FN Engagement Session

Kwe' Wagmatcook, we will be holding an engagement session today, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Wagmatcook Cultural Centre. Jo...
08/09/2026

Kwe' Wagmatcook, we will be holding an engagement session today, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Wagmatcook Cultural Centre. Join us for food, door prizes, and a chance to meet the team. Learn about the work we do, ask questions, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of water and wastewater services in First Nation communities. Everyone is welcome!

Can’t make it in person? You can still participate and be entered in the draws by answering a few questions here: https://www.menti.com/alywdbwhakzx

All names will be drawn live here at 5pm. Wagmatcook FN Please share!

Temporary Localized Loss of Service for Neqotkuk – Monday August 10, 2026 AFNWA is advising Neqotkuk residents of a temp...
08/07/2026

Temporary Localized Loss of Service for Neqotkuk – Monday August 10, 2026

AFNWA is advising Neqotkuk residents of a temporary loss of service on Monday, August 10, 2026, for the following streets: some residents on Main Street, homes on Third Street and the roads in between Third Street and River Road, along with Bear Lane, see map below.

Work will begin at 10:00 am with an estimated time of completion at 4:00 pm.

This loss of service is required to make necessary repairs to the water system.

We appreciate your understanding as we provide necessary service maintenance. Please share this message with community members who may not have access to social media. Updates will be shared on this page.

Woliwon

Construction Notice Update – We'koqma'q AFNWA will now be starting construction for a lift station replacement on Monday...
08/06/2026

Construction Notice Update – We'koqma'q

AFNWA will now be starting construction for a lift station replacement on Monday, August 10.

Construction Notice – We'koqma'q

AFNWA will be conducting construction for a lift station replacement which will begin on Tuesday, August 4, on 9218 Highway 105 in We'koqma'q (roughly across from Tim Hortons).

During this time, traffic control measures will be in effect to ensure the safety of both the public and construction workers.

What to expect:

Work to take place Monday through Friday, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Heavy equipment operating on site

Trucks delivering and removing materials

Work will continue throughout the month of August with most excavation and other civil work expected to be completed by mid-August. Once that phase is complete, crew will work will primarily involve electrical and mechanical installation. The final tie-in, including the last portion of the civil work, is expected to take place in September. At this time, no interruptions to the community's wastewater services are anticipated during construction.

We appreciate your patience while this work is underway.

We also ask that you share this message with fellow community members who may not have social media.

Address

13 Treaty Trail
Millbrook, ON
B6L1W1

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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