Pangnirtung, Nunavut Schools and Offices Closed Due to Water Service Interruption
Schools and territorial government offices in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, have been closed until further notice as the community faces its third day without reliable water service. The situation arose from a critical infrastructure failure, impacting over 1,500 residents.
State of Emergency Declared
Nunavut Emergency Management (NEM) announced the closures following the declaration of a state of emergency on Thursday. A pipe failure at the local water treatment plant is preventing the filling of water delivery trucks, exacerbating the crisis.
Essential Services Remain Limited
While schools and offices are closed, Health and Family Services will continue to provide limited services. The local health centre is operating on an emergency basis only. Residents can still access the on-call social worker, income assistance, and the on-call nurse.
Government Response and Support
The Nunavut government is actively responding to the crisis. They are sending shipments of bottled water and stainless steel pumps to facilitate water extraction directly from the reservoir. The Department of Transportation is also providing technical expertise to address the water treatment plant issue.
On-Site Repairs and Expected Timeline
Hamlet officials reported via Facebook that a plumber has arrived in Pangnirtung to begin working on the pipe failure. Water treatment plant engineers are expected to arrive on Monday evening to further assess and resolve the problem.
Alternative Water Sources and Boil Water Advisory
Currently, water pumps are being used to fill water trucks directly from the river. However, a boil water notice remains in effect for all water sources, including lakes and rivers. Residents are advised to bring all water for consumption to a rolling boil for at least one minute, even water used for drinking, food preparation, and brushing teeth.
Conservation Efforts and Preparedness
NEM urges residents to conserve bottled water strictly for essential use and to prepare for up to 72 hours with their available supplies. The community is working diligently to restore water service as quickly as possible.
