A boil-water advisory that has lasted more than two weeks in Hay River and nearby communities is understood to be nearing an end.
On May 24, the GNWT said muddy water had triggered a precautionary boil-water advisory for Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Enterprise and Kakisa.
Such advisories can be triggered during an active spring break-up. This year, the Hay River’s water level has returned toward average after several years well below average during a widespread drought.
In a briefing note for councillors ahead of a meeting this week, town staff said the advisory had been issued after a “rapid deterioration in raw water quality” on May 23.
Staff tried a variety of approaches to get the situation under control and water quality began to improve by May 26, the briefing note states.
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“Regulatory compliance was re-established” within the treatment process by May 27, but staff said the boil-water advisory remained in place for a further week because “elevated turbidity remained within portions of the distribution system.”
The advisory was in place throughout the NWT Track and Field Championships, which brought hundreds of athletes, coaches, family members and volunteers to Hay River last week.
On Monday this week, the town said it had supplied data to the GNWT that supported the advisory being lifted.
Approached for comment, the NWT’s Department of Health and Social Services said on Wednesday afternoon that the advisory remains in place for the time being.
“Before the advisory can be lifted, the water must pass two rounds of testing to confirm it is safe to drink. The town is now completing the second round of testing,” the department stated.
“If those results show the water is safe, the advisory will be lifted.”
