Whereas forested-watershed communities face increasing risks of wildfire-related contamination of their drinking water sources due to the increasing impacts associated with climate change, with wildfires introducing ash, sediment, and other pollutants that can render water supplies unusable for extended periods; And whereas the cost of advanced water treatment infrastructure required to address such contamination far exceeds the financial capacity of small communities, leaving them vulnerable to prolonged water supply disruptions that pose significant public health and community sustainability risks: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia acquire and maintain portable water treatment plants to be held in reserve for emergency deployment to communities experiencing significant wildfire-related water contamination, ensuring rapid response and long-term water security for vulnerable communities.
