Water Resources

INAC's mandate supports Northern political and economic development through the management of federal interests, and promotes sustainable development of Northern communities and natural resources.

How does INAC manage the water resources of the Northwest Territories?

INAC NT Region is responsible for managing the water resources of the Northwest Territories through the administration of the Northwest Territories Waters Act and Regulations  and the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act .

Responsibility for water resources normally rests with provincial governments; however, until this responsibility is devolved to the Government of the Northwest Territories, INAC NT Region manages the waters of the Northwest Territories and advises the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development on water matters.

What information is available?

In this section, you will find information on INAC's water resource responsibilities in the Northwest Territories:

• Monitoring – developing and managing scientific programs, such as the collection, analysis, interpretation and distribution of water quantity and quality information
• Research Projects – conducting specific aquatic ecosystem studies
• Advisory Role - providing on-going expert scientific and procedural advice to a wide range of clients
• Guideline Development - developing guidelines and codes of practice for water resource management and monitoring

Who does INAC provide water resource services to?

Water Resources' clients are numerous and diverse. INAC works with the following groups and/or organizations:

• Land use planning, environmental assessment and other public boards
• Government of Northwest Territories 
• Government of Nunavut 
  Other federal/provincial/territorial government departments
• Aboriginal self-government and land claims organizations
• Community organizations
• Industry (fishing, trapping, mining, petroleum, tourism, transportation)
• Environmental organizations
• Other INAC divisions
• Members of the public
• Various water boards, such as the:
  • Nunavut Water Board 
  • Northwest Territories Water Board 
    
  • Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board 
    
  • Gwich'in Land and Water Board 
  • Wek'èezhìi Land and Water Board 
  • Sahtu Land and Water Board 
  • Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board