Iqaluit issues boil water advisory as water shutdown enters 4th day

People in Iqaluit who've been without water since Saturday have been advised to boil their water when delivery resumes, though it's still not clear when that will be.

In a news release Tuesday afternoon, Nunavut's health departmentadvisesresidents in buildings 157, 159, 161, and 163 on Nipisa Street, between Queen Elizabeth Way and Kuugalaaq Street, that water must be boiled for one minute once water service resumes.

The advisory also affects adult education services and theearly childhood education office of the Department of Education,Ayaya Marketing and Communications, Quick Stop, Video Shack,The Snack, the Northern Employees Union Hall and Qulliq Energy, as well as residential apartments at those addresses.

The advisoryis a precautionary measure, the health department says,due to the repair work being done on a water main leak, which caused the shutdown.

'That exact line came up'

The City of Iqaluit hasn't commented on when the water will be restored. However, Matthew Hamp, the City's director of public works, says that officials already knew pipes in the area needed to be upgraded.

"Just prior to this whole thing happening, we were having budget discussions about areas of town that needed to be addressed, and that exact line came up," he said. "Then, that same week, we had the gusher coming out of the ground there."

The City opened up its Arctic Winter Games Arena Monday evening to provide water and showers to people affected by the shutdown. However, it is advising residents in the area to conserve water.

Trucked water services have been available for residents affected by the water shutdown. However, the City advised residents Tuesday that the department of public works will be closed Friday for an annual staff barbecue, meaning trucked water services won't be available on that date.

Any residents affected by the water shutdown and needing water are asked to call (867) 222-2947 to organize a water truck delivery. Residents who call for a delivery are asked to have their own containers ready to be filled.