The Department of Health is responsible for the public water supplies under the Public Health Act and the Public Water Supply Regulations. Turbidity (cloudy water), is a parameter included in the regulations and levels are verified regularly.
New standards for surveillance of Nunavut’s water drinking water systems have shown high turbidity (cloudy water) in many of the territory’s drinking water systems; this is usually a seasonal issue that increases during spring ice break up. The Department of Health is taking precautionary steps by issuing Boil Water Public Health Advisories for communities that do not have technology or treatment available to remove turbidity.
The communities affected are being monitored carefully to ensure the water meets the criteria prior to lifting a Boil Water Advisory. The Departments of Community and Government Services and Health are working jointly to support communities, improve communication and education about turbidity and how best to advise the communities affected.
The Department of Health continues its efforts to ensure Nunavut’s drinking water sources and its treatment meet national best practice.
