SAMBaa K’E, N.W.T. — A boil-water advisory is in effect for the community of Sambaa K’e after the local water treatment plant was temporarily shut down so crews could clean the facility's raw water reservoir, territorial health officials said Thursday.
What residents must do now
The Northwest Territories chief environmental health officer ordered the advisory because, while the plant is offline, untreated lake water will be used for domestic purposes in the community. The advisory instructs residents that any water intended for consumption must be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
“During this time, untreated lake water will be used for domestic purposes.”
Officials specified that boiling applies to a wide range of activities that involve ingestion or potential ingestion of water, including:
- drinking;
- preparing food;
- making ice;
- washing fruits and vegetables;
- oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth.
They added that water used for other activities — for example, bathing or washing clothing — does not need to be boiled.
Alternatives to boiling and filters to avoid
For households that cannot or prefer not to boil water, the advisory lists acceptable alternatives: bottled water, water treated through distillation, reverse osmosis or filtered with a device that removes particles of one micron or smaller. Common household activated carbon pitchers, such as Brita-style filters, are not considered safe alternatives.
| Method | Recommended? |
|---|---|
| Boiling for one minute | Yes |
| Bottled water | Yes |
| Distillation or reverse osmosis | Yes |
| Filters of 1 micron or smaller | Yes |
| Standard activated carbon pitchers (e.g., Brita) | No |
How long will the advisory last?
The chief environmental health officer will lift the advisory when officials determine the water supply is safe to use without boiling. No timeline was provided in the advisory for when the reservoir cleaning will be completed or when treated water will be restored to service.
Small, remote communities in the North frequently rely on surface water sources and on-site treatment facilities. Temporary shutdowns for maintenance such as reservoir cleaning are routine, but they carry immediate consequences for residents who depend on treated water for drinking and food preparation.
Practical considerations for residents
Local leaders and householders should consider the following while the advisory remains in place:
- Store an adequate supply of bottled water for drinking and food preparation, particularly for households with infants, elderly residents or people with compromised immune systems.
- Boil water in a clean pot, leaving it at a rolling boil for at least one minute, then allow it to cool before storing in sanitized containers.
- Use boiled or bottled water to prepare infant formula or to hydrate baby food; dishwashers that reach sanitizing temperatures are generally acceptable for cleaning dishes, but hand-washed items that touch the mouth should be rinsed with boiled or bottled water.
- Avoid using unfiltered, untreated water for toothbrushing; use boiled or bottled water instead.
Health officials emphasised that the advisory is a precautionary measure while maintenance is performed. They urged residents to follow the guidance and to await official notice that the advisory has been rescinded before resuming normal, untreated use of tap water.
The territorial health authority will provide updates when the treatment plant returns to service and the water meets safety standards.
Reporting from the Northwest Territories.
