Nunavut health officials issue boil water advisory for Kugluktuk

Kugluktuk residents should boil their water for at least one minute, the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health said in a public health advisory issued on June 25.

That’s because high turbidity levels have been detected in the community’s water supply.

“High turbidity” occurs when high amounts of fine suspended particles, such as clay, silt, organic and inorganic matter, plankton and other microscopic organisms end up in the water, making it look cloudy.

The GN says it’s essential that water in Kugluktuk be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute for the following uses:

• Drinking.
• Preparing infant formulas.
• Preparing juices and ice cubes.
• Washing fruits and vegetables.
• Cooking.
• Brushing of teeth.

“Water can be boiled either in a pot or kettle on a stove or an electric kettle without an automatic shut-off. The boil water advisory is only for the uses listed above,” the GN advisory said.