Drinking Water Advisory Updated - Sambaa K’e Drinking Water Advisory

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (September 17, 2026) – The Chief Environmental Health Officer advises all residents of Sambaa K’e that people should not consume the community’s tap water. This advisory replaces the “Boil Water Advisory” that was issued on September 9, 2026.

This advisory is a precautionary in nature. Ongoing research activity detected presence of microcystin (cyanotoxin) in the community’s drinking water on September 16, 2026, using a rapid test strip. Microcystin is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae.

The community’s water reservoir is currently under maintenance, and the community has been on a boil water advisory since September 9, 2026. During this time, water has been taken from the lake and delivered to homes. Due to unexpected cyanobacteria presence in the lake used as the community’s drinking water source, the advisory is being updated to a “Do Not Consume” advisory.

Residents should note that the toxins from microsystin cannot be boiled out of the water and may concentrate them instead.

The Chief Environmental Health Officer, along with the community government, will continue to monitor the situation and provide formal notice when lifting this advisory.

Recommendations:

  • Do not drink the tap water.
  • Do not boil the water, as boiling does not treat or remove cyanotoxins and may concentrate them.
  • Use alternative water for drinking, making infant formula, making ice and preparing food and beverages.
  • Wear rubber gloves to avoid direct contact with the water when washing dishes or doing laundry.
  • If there is another source of water available, the safest approach is to use bottled water for a sponge bath until the “Do Not Consume” advisory is lifted. If you must use your tap water for washing and bathing, follow these precautions:
    • Take short showers and avoid baths: Reduce the amount of time your skin is exposed to the water.
    • Do not swallow the water: Taking in even a small amount of the water while rinsing your face can cause illness. 
    • Do not bathe young children or toddlers: Children are more likely to swallow water during a bath or shower. Give them a sponge bath using a safe alternative source, like bottled water. 
    • Avoid contact with the face: Do not let the water get into your eyes, nose, or mouth. 
    • Avoid open wounds: Do not shower if you have open cuts, scrapes, or sores, as the toxin can cause irritation or infection. 
    • If you experience a rash or skin discomfort, stop using the water to bathe and use a safe alternative source, like bottled water, for a sponge bath. These recommendations should be followed when caring for pets.

Safe Alternatives

  • Use bottled water for drinking, making infant formula, making ice and preparing food and beverages
  • Use water that has been through a reverse osmosis system

Important Notes:

  • Boiling will not make the water safe. It may increase cyanotoxin concentrations.
  • “Brita” type drinking water filters with activated carbon will not remove cyanotoxins safely.  

Health Symptoms to Watch For

  • Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Headaches, dizziness, and fever
  • Skin rashes, eye irritation, or sore throat if exposed

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a health care provider.  You can also call 811 for more information is you have non-urgent health concerns.

For information on Harmful Algal Blooms, Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins, please see:

For more information, contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca