Schools and government offices in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, have been shut down indefinitely due to a water service disruption in the community, now in its third day. The closures were announced by Nunavut Emergency Management (NEM) in a press release issued on Saturday.
The community, with a population exceeding 1,500, declared a state of emergency on Thursday following a pipe malfunction at the water treatment plant, impeding the filling of water delivery trucks. While most services are suspended, Health and Family Services will continue providing limited assistance. The local health center is operating on an emergency-only basis, with access to an on-call social worker, income support, and a nurse.
To address the crisis, the Nunavut government is dispatching shipments of bottled water and stainless steel pumps to extract water directly from the reservoir. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is offering technical support for the water treatment plant.
A plumber has arrived in Pangnirtung to resolve the issue, with water treatment plant engineers scheduled to arrive on Monday evening. Water trucks are now being filled from the river, while a boil water advisory remains in effect for all water sources, including lakes and rivers. Residents are urged to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene.
In light of the situation, NEM advises residents to conserve bottled water for essential needs and prepare for a potential 72-hour period with existing supplies.
