NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (September 13, 2023) The Chief Environmental Health Officer is advising all residents returning from evacuation with water holding tanks for drinking water in the Hay River and surrounding area, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, and Fort Smith area to take the following measures to ensure safe drinking water:

• Drain the water in the holding tank and request a refill of fresh treated water.
• Flush all water lines with fresh water for 15 minutes.

The notice applies to any commercial and private facilities which have water holding tanks for drinking water.

This advisory is precautionary in nature and is due to the standing of drinking water for over 4-weeks period in tanks. There have been no illnesses associated with drinking water reported in the community.

The Chief Environmental Health Officer, in collaboration with the community government, continues to monitor the operation of water treatment plants in the affected communities. All routine testing was done on time throughout the evacuation period, and there is no concern with treated water in affected communities.

There are no alternatives to replacing the water. Using filters, reverse osmosis, or boiling water are not acceptable alternatives to replacing the water in the holding tank.
 

For more information, contact:

Jeremy Bird
Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
Jeremy_Bird@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 (Ext. 49034)