Water issues reach boiling point in Constance Lake

Constance Lake has had its government subsidized bottled water supply cut by 75 per cent at a time when it is still working towards finding a viable water supply for community members.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada reduced the supplied bottled water amounts to 1.5 litres from six litres per day, person, Chief Arthur Moore said.
“I am absolutely outraged with this decision,” Moore said. “Access to a safe and useable water supply is the right of every person living in this country. Each province and territory has legislation to provide clean, safe and reliable drinking water to its citizens. Why should it be different for my community?”
INAC officials did not reply to a request for explanation as of press time.
What has Moore even more upset is the apparent lack of communication between federal ministries.
INAC cut the water ration just a few weeks after the community received a letter from Health Canada Oct. 20 which included water supply guidelines be followed in the community.
According to Health Canada’s letter, adults require 1.5 litres of water a day for drinking while children require about one litre. Everyone requires an additional 4.5 litres a day for personal hygiene.
“The recent reduction, doesn’t even follow the health guidelines provided to my community just last month, with additional water needed for personal hygiene,” Moore said. “In general, doctors recommend a healthy adult consume 2.2 litres of water per day; that doesn’t include those that are active, have poor health conditions, and pregnant women. I continue to fear that the lack of clean water will lead to despair and ill health for the people of Constance Lake First Nation.”
The community has been without a viable source of water since early summer when a thick layer of algae formed over the lake that was the main water supply for the community. The water treatment plant was unable to filter the algae bloom.
To date, the First Nation remains under a boil water advisory.
Moore said the community has made progress in finding a new water source.
A well was drilled in the community that has enough capacity to supply the entire community, Moore said.
“It has met all the health requirements as well,” Moore said.
The only remaining issue is construction of a transport system to get the water from the well to the water treatment plant.
“The project is out for tender,” Moore said. “It will take some time.”
He is hopeful clean, potable water will be flowing through the community’s pipes in early January.