Levels of fuel oil entered water system in Iqaluit: Ministry of Health

On Saturday January 15th, the Ministry of Health of the Government of Nunavut announced that there were levels of fuel oil discovered in the water system in the Capitol of Iqaluit..

In a Public Service Announcement the Ministry of Health said, "However, those levels are below the Health Canada Drinking Water values for health."

Officials previously told residents not to drink the tap water in October of 2021, following complaints that it smelled of fuel.

The Ministry of Health issued a reminder on late last week for residents to boil water that they collect from the river for a full minute if they plan to drink it or use it for cooking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing infant formulas or making juice or ice cubes.

"Water can be boiled either in a pot or kettle on a stove or an electric kettle without an automatic shut-off," the release stated.

As of 9:00 AM MST, City of Iqaluit employees began flushing water lines in the city, "The City of Iqaluit would like to notify residents that water line flushing is continuing today. A second flushing of the distribution system will commence this coming week. Residents may smell fuel odours in their water as the flushing of the distribution system occurs.

"If you experience discolouration in your water, please run your faucets for a short time and the water should clear at your residence. If the water does not clear up after running your tap for a few minutes please contact the Water Hotline at 867 979-5603."