The Water and Health Research Group brings together researchers from diverse academic disciplines whose mission is to build community and scholarly capacity for water and health research in rural and remote communities in SK in order to make evidence-based decisions about water policy that will promote the health of all SK residents. While the connection between water and health seems obvious, few researchers have undertaken to make the connection, given the complexity of issues involved in linking water quality to health outcomes. It is often the most marginalized communities that are at risk for poor health outcomes, particularly in communities served by watersheds that are being depleted or substantially altered by nearby industry.  It is critical that this research take place at this point in time, given the significant growth in the extractive industry across the globe in areas that are often traditional territories of indigenous peoples, as is the case in Saskatchewan.   This research and development in community capacity to manage watersheds and treatment of drinking water is urgently needed, and the template as envisioned will be applicable in many areas around the globe, empowering local communities, promoting health, and preserving watersheds for generations to come.

The Water and Health Research Group is thankful for funding from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, the Colleges of Nursing and Arts and Science and from the Office of the Vice-President Research at the U of S.