Boil-water advisory lifted in Fort McKay following pipe leak
A boil-water advisory affecting about 100 homes in Fort McKay, Alta has been lifted by Alberta Health Services.
Boil water advisories were issued on Dec. 26 after a water-line break caused the northern community's water distribution system to lose pressure.
On Sunday, residents were informed that their tap water was again safe to drink.
"Flushing of the water distribution system is complete and testing results confirm a safe and high standard of water quality," the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said in a statement Sunday.
Water may be discoloured at first but should clear up after flushing, the municipality said. Community members are advised to flush all indoor taps for five minutes.
An earlier version of this story, published Dec. 27, appears below.
About 100 homes in Fort McKay, Alta., are under a boil-water advisory after a water-line break caused the northern community's water distribution system to lose pressure.
Residents didn't have access to water for part of Sunday.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Indigenous Services Canada issued boil-water advisories, with AHS describing the issue as a water-line break.
In a news release late Sunday, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said the leak has been repaired and that water services have been restored, but the boil-water advisory remains in effect.
Residents should run their taps for 15 minutes, the municipality said. The water may be discoloured and contain sediment at first.
Chris Johnson, CEO of Fort McKay First Nation, said the band office has water available for residents and is offering water delivery for those in the affected area.
"Our crews reacted really quickly," said Johnson, referring to the water line break repair.
Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least a minute before it is consumed, which includes drinking, brushing teeth, cleaning raw food and preparing juices or formula.
Water doesn't need to be boiled for washing clothes or bathing.
Hands should be washed with soap and water, followed by hand sanitizer.
The homes affected are those along, and east of, Fort McKay Road.
For the boil-water advisory to be lifted, the distribution system needs to be flushed and AHS and Indigenous Services Canada need to approve the water testing.
The Fort McKay First Nation has a water supply at the band office, according to the news release.
Fort McKay is about 60 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.
