In regard to adaptation strategies to address the challenges of accessing safe drinking water, there are a number of factors that are contributing to the deterioration of the water quality in the area. Pollutants and contaminants are prime contributors to this; however, the warming of lakes and rivers can also affect the quality of the water and cause contaminants trapped in the ground to leach into the water table. Without more information it is difficult to elucidate the connections between a warming climate and its effects on the water quality in the Dehcho region.
At this stage our community needs a contaminants study conducted for the area, and we also need improved methods for monitoring the quality of drinking water and for treating it. People have already started adapting to the lack of quality drinking water in the community by buying bottled water for the grocery store. This is an expensive adaptation strategy, but a necessary one, as many people consider drinking water in the community and out on the land not to be safe.