Forest fires can cause serious and long-term effects on water supplies. In Nova Scotia, Halifax-area residents returning to their homes after a forest fire evacuation were told to not drink well water because damaged fuel tanks or ash from burned materials were absorbed into the soil and entering wells.

According to Monica Emelko, the Canada Research Chair in water science, technology and policy at the University of Waterloo, forest fire contaminants can strain water treatment infrastructure and supply.

To read the full story, visit the CBC News site here.