Home / Disasters and Accidents / Kashechewan Water Crisis Ends: Residents Return Home After 7 Months
Kashechewan Water Crisis Ends: Residents Return Home After 7 Months
28 Jul
Summary
- Kashechewan residents return home Aug. 4 after 7-month water crisis.
- Tap water deemed unsafe Jan. 4 due to cryptosporidium parasite.
- Water treatment plant upgrades completed, water now safe to drink.
Kashechewan First Nation is preparing for the return of its residents starting August 4th, marking the end of a nearly seven-month evacuation. The crisis began on January 4th when a state of emergency was declared due to unsafe drinking water. Over 2,300 residents were displaced, many residing in hotels across Ontario.
Recent lab tests on July 27th confirmed that the cryptosporidium parasite has been eradicated from the water system. This follows extensive upgrades to the water treatment plant, including filter media replacement and the installation of an ultraviolet disinfection system. The province and federal government will conduct regular water testing.
The return will be gradual, with charter flights scheduled to transport residents back to the fly-in community. Leaders are also planning for future evacuations, as Kashechewan is prone to spring flooding, and advocating for the community's relocation to higher ground.
