More questions than answers about Sanikiluaq's water problems

E. coli recently detected in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, was found in the hamlet office not in the community's water source — though it's not clear exactly where it was in the office or how it got there.

There are still many questions about the issues with tap water in the hamlet, but the territorial government says answers are coming.

Earlier this week residents in Sanikiluaq were warned about the presence of E. coli in two locations. And in July every home in the community was outfitted with a reverse osmosis filtration system because of high levels of sodium in the community's water.

"There have been no reported illness in the community associated with the water," said Wanda Joy, an environmental health specialist with the Nunavut government.

The territory has still not said why sodium levels were so high, but a spokesperson for Community and Government Services (CGS) said that an outside consultant was hired to investigate the issue and file a report.

That report is now in the hands of territorial staff for review -- apparently its findings will be made available to the public soon.

Bacteria in high school

A test also showed traces of other coliform bacteria in Paatsaali High School, but there was no E. coli at this site.

Like E. coli, coliform bacteria can be found in feces. While coliforms are not usually the cause of serious illness, their presence is used to indicate that other pathogens may be present, including disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites.

To contain the spread of the bacteria, the fountain at the high school has been turned off. The hamlet office has also been examined and there are no longer signs of contaminants.

Nunavut government staff test water in communities across the territory for bacteria on a weekly basis and samples are sent for lab testing, according to CGS.

The tests are done at the water source, all public buildings, the water delivery trucks and equipment.

Joy said to her knowledge there is no connection between the water filtration systems and the presence of E. coli in the community's water.

The hamlet also had a boil water advisory in the summer of 2014 after E. coli was detected.

Waiting for test results

Joy said the boil water advisory is a precautionary measure put in place while the GN investigates the problems and what may be causing them.

"More water samples have been taken and are being sent in for analysis," she said.

It's unclear when the results will be available, she said, pointing to factors such as flight schedules into the community.

E. coli refers to a large group of bacteria commonly found in lakes and streams, and all mammals including humans have the bacteria in their intestinal tracts.

"During routine sampling, they're used as our indicator organisms. When we get a hit with E. coli it indicates that there could be a problem with the system," said Joy.

She wouldn't elaborate on what kinds of problems the detection of E. coli in tap water could mean.

Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some types can make people sick with severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.