Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Jean Marie River (Sep 24/01) - Chief Stanley Sanguez feels his small community's concern over the safety of their drinking water is being ignored in the long term.

"Just because we're not a hamlet or we don't accept the GNWT's territorial acts, maybe we're penalized that way for it," he said.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides Jean Marie River with close to $410,000 annually in block funding. Twenty-seven thousand of those dollars are designated for water and sewer, according to band manager Fred Norwegian.

MACA superintendent Liza McPherson could not be reached for comment.

Jean Marie River, a community of about 60 people, is still having water trucked in from Fort Simpson after its reservoir became tainted with dirt and waste three weeks ago. Above average rainfall is believed to have been a cause. Water samples tested positive for e-coli last week, according to Sanguez.

Each residence has had its water tanks cleaned out to eliminate any contamination. The reservoir is being flushed out and its bladder is being scrubbed thoroughly by the Department of Public Works.

There has never been any confidence in the reservoir, which holds more than two million litres, since it was constructed several years ago, he said. Debris often falls into it, he said. "The territorial government (told) us, 'You should go that route because it's cheaper.'" Sanguez said. "We said, 'Hey, we don't like that idea.' But ... we got stuck with what we have."