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NUNAVUT
Nunavut's efforts to protect drinking water is not worth a passing grade, according to a new report.

Ecojustice evaluated the water policies, programs and legislations in all provinces and territories in its Waterproof 3 report released Nov. 15.

The Canadian environmental organization gave Nunavut a D, the worst grade in the country, since, it states, the territory has no source water protection in place and its water treatment standards are among the lowest in the country.

Nunavut received a C grade in Ecojustice's last report released in 2006.

"Nunavut is falling behind while other jurisdictions continue to improve their drinking-water standards and source-water protection efforts," Randy Christensen, the report's author, stated in a press release.

The Yukon got a D+ grade while the Northwest Territories received a C.

The report also evaluated the provinces' and territories' performance for water treatment and testing as well as drinking water quality standards.

Pond Inlet resident Colin Saunders said the water he gets at home contains very fine silt and, at certain times of the year, a heavy fish smell.

"In my household, we won't drink the water unless it's gone through a Brita filter. We don't drink straight tap water," he said, adding the occasional fish smell can be a slight inconvenience.

"Up here, we take it as it comes but sometimes, I guess some people wish they could have better treated water when it's delivered to the households."

Further North, Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott, who has lived in Arctic Bay for 19 years, said the community has a pumping station with automated treatment and a water truck service.

Through the health committee, residents can have their water tank cleaned.

"I think myself in Arctic Bay, I have no concerns with turning on the tap and drinking the water," he said.

Water licences for municipal drinking, solid waste and sewage treatment are the responsibility of the municipalities, as is the management of the facilities.

However, the territory's department of community and government services provides technical and financial support.

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