Sodium levels in Nunavut community’s drinking water still high

Recent tests show high levels of sodium in Sanikiluaq’s drinking water, prompting the Government of Nunavut to issue an advisory to the community of 850. (GOOGLE MAPS PHOTO)

The Government of Nunavut continues to send bottled water to Sanikiluaq, where sodium levels in the community’s tap water remain high.

The GN first issued a health advisory June 24, asking residents of the Hudson Bay island community not to drink tap water.

Instead, the Department of Health continues to provide bottled water free of charge at the local community hall, the GN said in a June 30 release.

Health officials haven’t yet said why the sodium levels in the community’s drinking water have risen.

But the high levels pose a health risk for people with high blood pressure, people on sodium-reduced diets, infants, children and elders.

Residents can continue to use tap water for cooking, bathing and hand washing. But the health department says boiling tap water won’t help — that only raises the sodium level.

If you have questions or concerns about your local drinking, contact the Sanikiluaq hamlet office or call the regional environmental health officer at 867-645-6660.