Boil Water Advisory is in effect for the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan

A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for people who use the municipal water treatment plant in Fort Chipewyan. The Boil Water Advisory is not in place for Allison Bay or residents in Dog Head that get water from the Mikisew Cree First Nation water treatment plant.

Boil water for at least one minute  

The Boil Water Advisory requires everyone who uses the municipal drinking water system in Fort Chipewyan to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consumption, including: 

• drinking 
• brushing teeth 
• cleaning raw foods 
• preparing infant formula or juices 
• providing water to pets
• making ice 

Alberta Health Services provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely boil and store water during a Boil Water Advisory. Visit: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/Storing-water-during-a-boil-water-advisory.aspx

The Municipality is working with all three Nations, and Emergency Management teams are activating Emergency plans that are in place to support the community.

Why the Boil Water Advisory is in place

• The water treatment plant can’t treat enough water because Lake Athabasca’s water levels are low and strong winds are stirring up sediment.
• The potable water reservoirs need time to refill so the system doesn’t get damaged.
• As the plant recovers, more sediment may enter the system, so water must be boiled before drinking or cooking.

There may be a stronger than normal chlorine smell in the water from the Fort Chipewyan water treatment plant. Additional chlorine is being added to help manage the increased sediment levels.  The water may still be consumed if boiled properly.

Conserve water at home

The Water Conservation Advisory for Fort Chipewyan remains in effect. The less water used by the community at this time will help resolve this issue quicker.

What to do to conserve water

• Shut down all water bleeders. Crews will visit homes to help anyone who needs assistance.
• Until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, do not shower, do laundry, or wash dishes. This helps refill water levels at the plant.
• Do not fill jugs, bathtubs, or large containers with municipal water. This can quickly drain the system.
• Any water from the Municipal water treatment plant must be boiled before drinking or cooking.

Bottled Drinking water available

As part of the Conservation of Water Supply (COWS) program, sufficient bottled water is available for pick-up at Mamawi Hall and the Municipal Contact Office, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please only take bottled water for essential needs. A charter flight with additional bottled water left for Fort Chipewyan at 1 p.m. today.

Advisories will remain in effect until further notice

These measures are temporary as crews work around-the-clock to resolve the issue.

The Municipal truck fill is temporarily closed. Residents may use Mikisew Cree First Nation’s truck fill in Allison Bay to get water for essential needs.

At this time, we do not have an estimate for how long the Boil Water Advisory or the Water Conservation Advisory will remain in effect.

Regular updates and more information

Residents are asked to share this advisory with affected neighbours, friends, and family members.

Updates will continue to be shared with the community. All updates and copies of the Boil Water Advisory can be found at rmwb.ca/waterupdate and at the Municipal Office.

The next update will be available in the morning on Friday, October 31.

For more information, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse