Schools and territorial government offices in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, are closed until further notice as the community enters its third day without water service.
Nunavut Emergency Management (NEM) announced the closures in a news release on Saturday.
The community of over 1,500 declared a state of emergency Thursday after a pipe failure at the water treatment plant that’s preventing the hamlet from filling delivery trucks with water.
Health and Family Services services will continue to provide limited services. On Friday, the Health department told CBC News the local health centre is operating on an emergency basis only. Residents can still reach the on-call social worker, income assistance, and the on-call nurse.
The Nunavut government is continuing to send shipments of bottled water and stainless steel pumps to draw water directly from the reservoir.
The Department of Transportation is also providing technical expertise related to the community’s water treatment plant.
In a Facebook post Saturday, hamlet officials said a plumber has arrived in town to work on the issue. Water treatment plant engineers are expected to arrive on Monday evening.
Water pumps are now filling water trucks from the river, according to the hamlet.
A boil water notice remains in place. That also applies to any water drawn from lakes and rivers.
The advisory said all water for consumption must be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. That includes water for drinking, preparing food, and brushing teeth.
NEM is encouraging residents to conserve bottled water for essential use and prepare for up to 72 hours with available supplies.
