Why is Kugaaruk still under a boil water advisory?

A mechanical issue at the water treatment plant requires continued boiling of water as a safety precaution.

What happened last month in Kugaaruk?

Last month, a state of emergency was declared in Kugaaruk due to seawater contaminating the water treatment plant.

When will the boil water advisory be lifted in Kugaaruk?

The health department will notify residents when the advisory has been officially lifted.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Kugaaruk Water Woes: Do-Not-Consume Order Lifted, Boil Notice Remains

Kugaaruk Water Woes: Do-Not-Consume Order Lifted, Boil Notice Remains

7 Jan

•

Summary

Kugaaruk's do-not-consume water order is lifted, but boiling remains mandatory.
A mechanical issue at the water treatment plant necessitates ongoing safety measures.
Last month's state of emergency followed seawater contamination of the water supply.

Kugaaruk Water Woes: Do-Not-Consume Order Lifted, Boil Notice Remains

Residents of Kugaaruk, Nunavut, are no longer under a do-not-consume order for their tap water, but a boil water advisory is still in effect. This precautionary measure remains necessary due to a mechanical issue discovered at the community's water treatment plant. The health department is advising all residents to continue boiling water for drinking, food preparation, and hygiene purposes until further notice.

Last month, the community of approximately 1,200 people faced a more severe situation when a state of emergency was declared. This was a direct result of seawater entering the water treatment plant, which then ceased its ability to produce safe drinking water. Although the state of emergency was lifted within a week, the hamlet cautioned that the tap water was still not safe, even after boiling or filtering.