Environmental Health Officers ensure the safety of drinking water. All water supply systems are checked to ensure compliance with the Water Supply System Regulations. Drinking water is tested by the community for bacteria and chemicals like lead. Chlorine must be added to drinking water, which helps keep drinking water safe from bacteria. Chlorine levels are monitored and tested regularly. All complaints are investigated to ensure the safety of drinking water. If chlorine levels or bacteria are found in drinking water or if there are other safety concerns, it may be necessary to issue a Boil Water Advisory.
A Boil Water Advisory is issued when it is reasonable to believe that the drinking water supply poses a public health risk. Everyone is advised to boil their water before it is used for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth during an advisory. This protects the public against harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites that might be in the water. An advisory is issued under the Public Health Act. It ends only when the Environmental Health Officer is satisfied through testing that the water is once again safe to drink without boiling.
More information on Boil Water Advisories is found in the following document:
Boil water advisories currently in effect, see:
If you wish to know more about NWT drinking water, visit:
- Drinking Water in the NWT (Municipal and Community Affairs)
Residents with trucked water and water tanks in their homes should review the following video for information on how to clean their water tank.
A video on the use of chlorine in drinking water in the NWT can be found here: