Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Fort Norman (June 17/02) - Residents in this Sahtu community will still have to boil their water for the next few weeks, says the region's chief environmental health officer.

"It'll be another two weeks till it clears and another week after that for tests," said Chris Beveridge last week.

Breakup on the Great Bear River caused the river to rise, stirring up sediment in the process and overwhelming the capacity of the community's water treatment facility to filter out contaminants.

"It's like having a bucket with sand and water and shooting the garden hose in," said Beveridge.

Recent tests from the community water truck show one part coliform for every 100 millilitres in the water. Safe levels hover at less than one part coliform for every 100 millilitres.

The boil-water order was issued on May 17. According to Beveridge it's an annual occurrence, and there's not much chance of changing the cycle.

"The water just overwhelms the chlorination system," said Beveridge.

So far, there are no reported water related sicknesses in the community.

Beveridge said his department posted notices in the community and announced the boil-water order on the radio.

The Sahtu community of Colville Lake has been under a permanent boil water order because the community does not have a water treatment plant.

Residents in this small community draw their water from the lake.

Beveridge said there are plans to build a water treatment facility in the community. Representatives from the departments of Health and Municipal Affairs planned to visit the community last week on the issue.

Tulita Chief Frank Andrew said the boil-water order is a bit of a hassle, but it has to be done.

"We never boiled our water many years ago but today when the labs find it's not too good then we should listen," said Andrew.