Do not consume drinking water in Sambaa K’e

A toxin has been detected in the drinking water of Sambaa K’e, forcing a Do Not Consume order from the Chief Environmental Health Officer.

This replaces the 10-day-old Boil Water Advisory, as boiling does not treat or remove cyanotoxins and may actually concentrate them.

This advisory is a precautionary in nature.

Ongoing research detected presence of microcystin (cyanotoxin) in the community’s drinking water on September 16th, using a rapid test strip.

Microcystin is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae.

The community’s water reservoir is currently under maintenance, and the community has been on a boil water advisory since September 9th.

During this time, water has been taken from the lake and delivered to homes.

The Chief Environmental Health Officer, along with the community government, will continue to monitor the situation and provide formal notice when lifting this advisory.

Recommendations:

• Do not drink the tap water.
• Do not boil the water, as boiling does not treat or remove cyanotoxins and may concentrate them.
• Use alternative water for drinking, making infant formula, making ice and preparing food and beverages.
• Wear rubber gloves to avoid direct contact with the water when washing dishes or doing laundry.
• If there is another source of water available, the safest approach is to use bottled water for a sponge bath. If you must use your tap water for washing and bathing, reduce the amount of time your skin is exposed.
• Avoid contact with the face: Do not let the water get into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• These recommendations should also be followed when caring for pets.

Safe Alternatives:

• Use bottled water for drinking, making infant formula, making ice and preparing food and beverages
• Use water that has been through a reverse osmosis system
• “Brita” type drinking water filters with activated carbon will not remove cyanotoxins safely.

The Sambaa K’e First Nation is located in the Dehcho Region and has 90 to 100 residents in the community. There is no permanent all-weather road. The community is accessible via winter road, or year-round by air.