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The GNWT lifted the precautionary boil-water advisory for Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Enterprise and Kakisa issued on May 24 because of muddy water in the Hay River’s drinking water.
In a June 16 notice, the GNWT said turbidity levels dropped to acceptable levels and the water treatment plant and water trucks were sanitized, meaning residents can drink the water from their taps again.
The GNWT is recommending residents and businesses flush their water-holding tanks, run faucets and drinking fountains for a minute, flush water-using equipment for a minute, change water filters, and run water softeners through a regeneration before consuming water from these objects for the first time.
Boil water advisories because of muddy water 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.
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In a briefing note to the Hay River Council in a council package for its June 9 meeting, staff said muddy water from spring break-up became too much for the Hay River water treatment system to handle the evening of May 23. The boil water advisory was issued May 24, and staff said “regulatory compliance was re-established” within the treatment process by May 27.
Staff said the boil-water advisory remained in place for a further week because “elevated turbidity remained within portions of the distribution system.”
On June 8, the town said it provided data to the GNWT that supported the advisory being lifted, but the GNWT said the advisory couldn’t be lifted until the water passed two rounds of testing.
