The City of Yellowknife has issued a boil water advisory for all residents of Yellowknife, Dettah and N’dilo.
Residents should boil their water for at least one minute before using it.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the city said “higher than normal turbidity, or muddy water” was to blame.
“The chief public health officer, in collaboration with the City of Yellowknife, will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on a regular basis until the advisory has been lifted,” read the statement.
“This advisory is issued for precautionary reasons only. There have been no illnesses associated with drinking water reported in the community.”
André Corriveau, the territory’s chief public health officer, stressed the advisory is precautionary. Hourly tests will take place overnight.
“It’s not because we found bacteria or that there’s any documented problem. With the turbidity levels as they are, they would have to use a lot of chlorine and the chlorine is less effective than it would be normally,” Corriveau told the CBC.
“We feel the only way to provide 100 percent protection is to recommend that people boil water.”
Read: City of Yellowknife’s full advisory
The city’s advisory instructs residents to boil all water involved in eating or drinking – particularly when preparing infant formulas, and also including water used for preparing food, hot and cold beverages and ice cubes; washing fruits and vegetables; and dental hygiene.
“It is not necessary to boil water used for other household purposes,” said the city. “You may shower, bathe or wash using tap water, but avoid swallowing the water.”
The city added Brita-style water filters won’t do the job and shouldn’t be used as an alternative.
