BEAVER LAKE – A boil water advisory is in place for Beaver Lake Cree Nation.
As stated in information from Indigenous Services Canada on May 12, the boil water advisory was issued for the Beaver Lake public water supply due to the potential for microbial contamination that may cause illness.
Beaver Lake Cree Nation is located 15 kms south of Lac La Biche.
“This advisory is a result of elevated turbidity,” said the release. “This Boil Water Advisory is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.”
According to information from Beaver Lake Cree Nation #131 administration, the boil water advisory is in effect for residents connected to the main public water line only.
“If your household uses a cistern tank, this advisory does not apply to you,” according to the information.
In the advisory, residents were instructed by the federal government to notify community members by the fastest means possible to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to any consumption. This includes, but is not limited to, drinking, making infant formula or juice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, or making ice.
“Boiling the water will destroy any microorganisms that may be present,” according to Indigenous Services Canada.
Administration at Beaver Lake Cree Nation was asked to post the notice at prominent locations within the community, such as the local health centre, school, band office, daycare, and stores.
Included in the advisory were also procedures to take after a boil water advisory has been ended.
These measures include flushing all water-using fixtures by running a tap for five minutes and ensuring that equipment with water line connections such as refrigerator water and ice dispensers are drained, flushed, cleaned, and disinfected according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Residents were also advised to run water softeners through a regeneration cycle according to manufacturer’s recommendations and drain and refill hot water heaters that have been set below 45°C/110°F.
“For more information about using water during a boil water advisory, contact the local Environmental Health Officer,” said Indigenous Services Canada.
