Officials with the Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River are celebrating a big step with the removal of a long-term boil water advisory — and are hoping this time, it lasts.
The First Nation, along with the federal government, lifted a four-year boil water advisory in June, thanks to upgrades to the town’s water treatment plant and water lines.
It was the fifth boil water advisory issued in the community on Newfoundland’s south coast since 2007, and the longest, according to Glen Benoit, the director of public works with the First Nation.
"I only have heard a few people say, ‘It’s about time,’" said Chief Mi’sel Joe.
Before that date, tap water in the community bypassed the First Nation’s water treatment plant.
Joe said people in his community are "frustrated" by the constant boil water advisories, "off and on, off and on."
"I’d say, probably 50 per cent of the time, we’ve been on boil water advisory since 2004," added Benoit.
Watch a community information session on the end of the boil water advisory All copper lines in the community are being replaced, and the plant has also added a new UV filtration system — he said both were "major things" toward lifting the boil water advisory.
"It takes a long time to gain confidence back, but it doesn’t take very long to lose it, I’ll tell you that."
"It’s extremely important," said Joe.