IKAAHUK/SACHS HARBOUR - The chief environmental health officer of the NWT issued a boil water advisory for Sachs Harbour June 14, due to problems with the hamlet's water treatment plant.

Duane Fleming, the territory's chief environmental health officer, issued a boil water advisory for Sachs Harbour June 14th. For more than a month the hamlet's water treatment plant, pictured above, has had a plugged intake pipe. - photo courtesy of MACA

The advisory includes everything from water for drinking and food preparation to teeth brushing and ice cubes. The residents, numbering close to 120, are asked to avoid drinking from water fountains and parents with young children should be especially careful when preparing infant formula.

Duane Fleming, chief environmental health officer, said it is just a precautionary measure and no related illnesses have been reported.

The advisory stems from problems with the hamlet's water treatment plant, where an intake pipe became plugged more than a month ago.

The hamlet was still able to treat the water at the time by pumping directly into the water delivery truck and adding chlorine.

Recently though, the lake's water has become cloudy, making the chlorine less effective at disinfecting the water. Fleming said spring break-up runoff is the most likely cause of the cloudy water.

Before the boil water advisory is lifted, either the intake pipe will have to be unplugged or the lake water would have to clear.

Fleming said he couldn't predict when that would happen, or when the boil water advisory would be lifted.

The hamlet office, and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, are in charge of addressing the problem.

Alternatives to boiling water include buying bottled water or using water that has been properly distilled. Brita water filters are not a safe option, according to the advisory.

The boil water advisory doesn't extend to general household uses like showering, bathing and dish washing.

The office of the chief environmental health officer is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates on a regular basis until the advisory has been lifted.

Adella Carpenter, acting senior administrative officer for Sachs Harbour, declined to comment.

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