Pangnirtung ends local water state of emergency

A local state of emergency in Pangnirtung has been lifted more than four days after it was declared because of a water system failure.

Hamlet councillors voted to lift the emergency declaration during a meeting Monday morning, according to an announcement posted to Pangnirtung’s Facebook page.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every resident for conserving water, staying informed, and supporting one another during this challenging time,” the release stated.

“A special thank you goes to our hamlet workers, Narwhal Plumbing, water truck divers, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to restore [the] water treatment plant. This would not have been possible without your patience, quick thinking, teamwork, and commitment to keeping our community safe.”

The state of emergency was declared Thursday after what the hamlet described in an announcement as a “complete loss” of water service.

The next day, the hamlet said it was making bottled water available to residents while the water treatment plant was closed, awaiting repairs.

On Saturday, Nunavut’s Department of Community Services said it was providing equipment to pump water from the community’s reservoir and workers to assist at the water plant. It also announced schools and government offices would be closed until further notice.

The same day, the hamlet said it was expecting the arrival of a water plant engineer as well as a worker from Narwal Plumbing to make repairs.

A boil water advisory will remain in effect until the Department of Health lifts it, the hamlet said Monday.

“Together, we got through this, and together, we are stronger,” the hamlet’s announcement said.