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Iqaluit water re-supply a success

NTI’s right-hand man not ready to pass torch

The City of Iqaluit has successfully re-filled Lake Geraldine, its fresh water reservoir, a project begun in August.

"The task force has completed its main objective of filling the reservoir to ensure an adequate supply of water is available for the winter months," stated the city's communications manager Andrea Spitzer in an e-mail.

"The task force is pleased with the success of the operation and is confident that the reservoir levels will be adequate for the winter."

The task force, made up of city and territorial officials and experts, was created to deal with an unprecedented low reservoir level.

Spitzer also stated the city is currently undertaking a study of a variety of options for long-term water supply, including a number of locations along the Sylvia Grinnell River and a large lake, identified but unnamed to the north-east of the Iqaluit.

In the meanwhile, city administrators hope council will approve a budget proposal that would include a second replenishment in 2019 in case that's needed.

"The city has retained all of the equipment it has purchased as part of the supplementation effort. The GN equipment loaned to the city for the effort is stored in Iqaluit pending need elsewhere in the territory," stated Spitzer.

However, Spitzer stated it's important for residents to continue in water conservation efforts.

"Water conservation means using our limited water supply wisely and caring for it properly. Fresh, clean water is a limited resource and we all have a role to play in using it responsibly," she stated.

"Conserving water now will reduce the chance that the pumping operation will be required next year, it will save energy required to process and deliver it to our homes and businesses, it will help save households money by reducing water bills and it is part of being an environmentally-responsible citizens and corporate citizens."

The city's identified bleeds and breaks, recognized as a major cause of wasted water, have been repaired.

"To date, Iqaluit's water demand is 80 per cent compared to last year. This can be attributed to the city's actions to reduce water loss through repairs and from residents efforts to implement conservation measures," stated Spitzer.