Water must be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking or being used to prepare food

-originally posted on August 15, 2016

A boil water advisory has been issued for Whale Cove by Nunavut’s Department of Health for the second summer in a row.

All residents have been asked to boil their water before consumption until further notice.

All water must be brought to a rolling boil for one full minute before:

• Drinking
• Preparing infant formula
• Preparing juices and ice cubes
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Cooking and brushing teeth

Residents can boil water on the stove or in an electric kettle that does not not have an automatic shut-off.

The Department of Health says this is a precautionary measure based on unacceptable levels of total coliform bacteria in the water system.

There is a joint investigation between the Department of Health and the Department of Community and Government Services to investigate the issue.

Last year Whale Cove was issued a boil water advisory for three months starting in July. At the time tests also showed high levels of total coliform bacteria.