The committee is concerned about the maintenance of safe drinking water. Committee members commented that there should be a coordinating authority to increase accountability and ensure standards are met.

The department replied that it is responsible for funding the water facilities that are owned by the government or the community. The Department of Public Works and Services is responsible for maintaining the facilities to the standards that are set by the Department of Health and Social Services. The NWT Water and Waste Association provides training for water plant operators. Some committee members commented that this confirms accountability in this matter is convoluted. If a timely resolution to a problem is necessary, a community would have to deal with three departments instead of one consolidated authority.

Furthermore, although training is provided by the NWT Water and Waste Association, recruitment and retention challenges will remain ongoing as long as communities are not given adequate funding to pay their staff competitive wages.