Inukjuak Under Boil-Water Advisory After E. coli Detected at Water Treatment Plant

Residents of Inukjuak have been advised to boil their drinking water for at least two minutes after E. coli bacteria was detected at the loading arm of the community’s water treatment plant.

According to the Kativik Regional Government, the contamination was discovered during routine water-quality testing and later confirmed by a private laboratory in Montreal.

Alfred Nikiema, co-ordinator of the regional government’s Technical Assistance Program, said the boil-water advisory was issued on June 6 as a precautionary measure to protect public health.

E. coli is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains are harmless, some can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and food poisoning.

Officials have begun disinfecting the water system and increasing chlorine treatment levels while investigating the source of the contamination. Additional water tests will be conducted to determine when the water supply is safe for consumption.

Authorities have not provided a timeline for lifting the advisory and are urging residents to continue boiling water until further notice.