Drilling to start next week for Potlotek First Nation wells

Drilling is expected to begin next week for new wells in Potlotek First Nation, which is struggling with dirty, foul-smelling water and a failing water system.

Earlier this weekIndigenous and Northern Affairs Canada promised a new multimillion-dollar water system.

"They have taken it really seriously now," Potlotek band manager Lindsay Marshall said Wednesday.

Five wells will be drilled throughout the community, which sits on Chapel Island in BrasD'OrLake.

The hope's to find a source for "good quality water" to become a well field, Marshall said. He expects to build a new plant, water lines and a water tower, as well.

• Bad water: 'Third World' conditions on First Nations in Canada

'A problem from Day 1'

The project is set to takebetween one year and 18 months, down from three to five years, Marshallsaid.

That willreplace the system that drawswater from an open lake, before being stored and treated.

Thenation of about 700 peoplewasunder a boil water advisory for more than a year. Now the water poursout of home tapsblack and thick andboiling it has no effectdue to the minerals it contains.

"It's been a problem from Day 1 because the system was never designed to handle iron andmanganese," Marshall said.

'We disagree'

Health Canada hassaidthe water is only discolouredand while it's unsuitable to drink, it's not unsafe.

People have beenusing bottled water.

"God love doctors, but they're fallible," Marshall said.

"They make mistakes and so respectively, I appreciate his knowledge, but we disagree with the doctor."

• Boiling 'esthetically unsuitable' water not an option for Potlotek

Link to health questioned

The safety of the water is a key concern for Coun. Sandra Johnson, who also is skeptical the dirty water could be unrelated to community health issues.

For instance, Johnson said her hair and that of others comes out "in big clumps." People have rashes, itches and "open wounds that wouldn't heal," she said.

"You're ingesting this water. There's rocks in it, there's sand in it. The water turns brown, darkish brown, black to yellow to red, and it's unacceptable for anybody to drink," Johnson said.

While she said she's happy "the ball is rolling," Johnson is campaigning for an independent study of the water quality and its link to community health.

Marshall said the community will be looking at raising the money for such astudy,in case there is not interest federally to do one.