Roughly 3,700 people in Hay River and the K'atl'odeeche First Nation, Enterprise and Kakisa are currently under a boil-water advisory after an increase in turbidity (muddy water) was present in the Hay River.
“There have been no illnesses associated with the drinking water reported in the community, ”stated a release from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Andre Corriveau. “This advisory has been issued for precautionary reasons only.
GNWT Chief Environmental Health Officer, Peter Workman said there is no timetable set for lifting the advisory.
“It could be a few days, it could last well-over a week,” said Workman. “We will issue another release when the boil-water advisory is lifted.
NNSL photo
The cause for the boil-water advisory stems from the spring break-up of ice flowing south to north through Hay River, but no other communities have been flagged by the department of health said Workman.
All water in the territory is treated with chlorine but due to the amount of mud currently in the water the CEHO and CPHO say the chlorine may not be effective and has resulted in issuing the advisory as a precaution.
“At this time we don't expect anyone to experience an illness related to the drinking water (before the advisory) ... anyone experiencing an upset stomach or diarrhea after drinking the water should go straight to their local doctor,” said Workman.
Workman added all drinking water must be boiled to ensure safe consumption.
“The water is still safe to bathe in but must not be swallowed,” stated the release. “Brita filters are not a safe method for treating water during a boil water advisory because they do not disinfect water.”
The last time a boil water advisory was issued for the communities of Hay River and the K'atl'odeeche First Nation was in 2011.