Do-not-consume order lifted on Kugaaruk water but it must still be boiled
Hamlet has been without safe drinking supply water for almost a month
The Department of Health is lifting a do-not-consume order but advises Kugaaruk residents to boil their water before consuming it. The hamlet’s water treatment facility was disabled last month after it was infiltrated by sea water. (File photo)
A do-not-consume order on water in Kugaaruk was lifted Tuesday, nearly a month after sea water flooded the water treatment plant and a local state of emergency was declared.
A boil water advisory, however, remains in place, the Department of Health said in a public health advisory Tuesday.
Residents are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking; preparing infant formulas, juices or ice cubes; washing fruit and vegetables; cooking; or brushing teeth.
On Dec. 7, an “unusually” strong tide caused by a supermoon forced sea water into the hamlet’s treatment plant, triggering an automatic shutdown.
A local state of emergency was declared. The federal government, at the request of the Government of Nunavut, sent military personnel, thousands of bottles of water and pumping equipment to help mitigate the crisis.
While the state of emergency was lifted Dec. 12, water continued to be trucked to homes for hygiene and washing purposes only. As of Dec. 31, bottled water continued to be supplied for drinking purposes.
It is unclear whether bottled water is still being supplied to the community. Hamlet representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
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