BR First Nation Water Ban – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Sep 15, 2017 

CHAPEL ISLAND, N.S. – Health Canada says a spike in minerals that is fouling the water at a Nova Scotia Indigenous reserve is related to seasonal factors, such as temperature changes.

Spokeswoman Maryse Durette says there are no known health impacts tied to the reported levels of iron and manganese at the Potlotek First Nation.

People there are calling on Ottawa to fix the problem that has left their tap water dark and foul-smelling.

They have been told not to drink, bathe or wash clothes in the water, which has high levels of iron and manganese.

Chief Wilbert Marshall says the community of about 500 people has been working with Ottawa for 10 years, but residents still don’t have clean, reliable drinking water.

Durette says levels should decline, but there is no set time frame for the water to return to normal.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada says a working group was formed a year ago to come up with solutions to the water problem.

It says design work is underway for the installation of a new water treatment system.

—

axa

(The Canadian Press)

INDEX: HEALTH ENVIRONMENT NATIONAL ATLANTIC POLITICS