Do Not Consume Water Advisory in effect for infants in Fort McKay

Spring runoff and large amounts of precipitation in areas of Alberta have caused unseasonably high levels of sediment in the Ells River, which is the source water for the treatment process. These sediments carry with them naturally occurring organics and metals, including manganese.  

The elevated levels of sediments are causing challenges at the water treatment plant, especially filtering out and treating the higher levels of organic material and metals, such as manganese. While there are no provincial regulations for manganese, there are federal guidelines and the current levels exceed these guidelines.  

Water quality is rigorously monitored and the levels of manganese in the source water and treated water continue to fluctuate regularly. There are no provincial regulations for manganese, but Health Canada does have guidelines for the acceptable limit of manganese in treated water, which is 0.12 mg/L. The levels of manganese in the treated water in Fort McKay have been fluctuating within and over the Health Canada guidelines since June 24.

Over the past 36-48 hours manganese levels have remained elevated over the Health Canada guidelines and have not dropped below the limit during this time. While the Municipality adheres to the provincial water quality regulations, we are advising infants, children up to 13 years of age and pregnant women in Fort McKay to not consume the water due to manganese levels not dropping below the Health Canada limits the past 36-48 hours.

The Do Not Consume Advisory is for infants, children up to 13 years of age and pregnant women that use the municipal water treatment plant in Fort McKay.

Drinking water that contains high levels of manganese may create health risks for brain development in infants and children.

Tap water, even if boiled, should not be consumed by infants, children up to 13 years of age and pregnant women. This includes for:  

·         Drinking 

·         Preparing baby food or infant formula 

·         Making ice cubes, soups, juices, or other mixes 

·         Food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables 

·         Cooking 

·         Brushing teeth  

For adults and older children, Health Canada advises that short-term exposure to manganese in drinking water slightly above the guideline is unlikely to cause negative health effects.

No. Boiling water does not remove manganese. Boiling water can cause higher concentrations of manganese due to the water evaporating.

Tap water can be used for showering, washing clothes and hand-washing. Tap water can also continue to be consumed and used normally by older children and adults. As long as it is not consumed by infants, children up to 13 years of age and pregnant women.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has issued a Do Not Consume Advisory for infants, children up to 13 years of age and pregnant women using municipal water in Fort McKay First Nation.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) issues all formal water advisories for areas in the Municipality as they are the regulator for all RMWB water treatment plants. Currently, AHS has not issued a formal Do Not Consume Advisory. The Municipality is recommending that all infants, children up to 13 years of age and pregnant women in Fort McKay follow the Do Not Consume Advisory guidelines issued by ISC and not to consume any tap water at this time.

While current conditions of the source water are still causing challenges, the Municipality is working closely with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) to restore regular water service as quickly as possible. 

Operators are adjusting chemical treatment to improve efficiency in removing dissolved manganese from the water. In addition, water from the Fort McMurray Water Treatment plant is being trucked in to add to the system and dilute the manganese concentration.

Additional enhanced water quality testing and a comprehensive monitoring plan are being implemented and will continue to be in place until further notice.

The Municipality has been providing water quality results to subject matter experts at Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Indigenous Services Canada, and Alberta Health Services. The Municipality continues to work closely with the Nations and other levels of government to maintain transparent communication and support informed decision-making regarding water use.

Free bottled water is available to all Fort McKay residents and Fort McKay First Nation members using the municipal water system.

Bottled water will be available for pick-up at the Fort McKay arena from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until the Do Not Consume Advisory is lifted. Water can be picked up by the zamboni doors on the northeast side of the arena.

One case of bottled water per person will be available every three days for pickup. Fort McKay First Nation will be distributing water at the pickup location.

In addition, the Municipality will drop off 60 cases of water at the Fort McKay Metis Band Office for them to distribute to their members.

Community updates will be shared as they become available from regulatory bodies. All updates are shared on the municipal website.