Ahousaht homes without drinking water after pipe breaks

Homes in the remote Ahousaht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island have been without drinking water for several days after a pipe from the water plant failed.

The water supply was cut off entirely on Friday evening.

Crews were able to bypass the broken pipe to get water flowing again over the weekend, butit's untreated and must be boiled, said PattiCharleson, deputy chief for Ahousaht.

Donations of bottled water from surrounding communities are helping to ensure everyone in the community of nearly 1,000 people has safe drinking water, Charleson said.

"We've had a good number of volunteers working throughout the days to ensure all of our people who are here have water," she said.

Ahousahtis located about 20 kilometres north of Tofinoand is accessible only by boat or by air.

Donations of bottled water, which havecomefrom surrounding Nuu-chah-nulth communities and as far away as Port Alberni, are being loaded onto boats in Tofinofor delivery in Ahousaht.

"We've had a couple boats that are waiting specifically for water inTofino,just to make sure that we get it all picked up," Charlesonsaid.

"We've sent a five gallon water to every home and a 12 pack per day for all the ones who have babies, so they can fill their bottles."

Pipe fix a challenge

It's unclear when the tap water inAhousahtwill be safe to drink.

Crews have been working to repair the broken pipe since Friday and have identified where the leak is, buthigh tides have caused problems.

"It's below sea level so they're having issues trying to get at it. We've had volunteers sandbagging so they can create an enclosure around it," Charleson said.

It's not clear exactly why the pipe failed, but temperatures dipped below freezing in Ahousaht last week and may have contributed to the problem, she said.

A boil water advisory will remain in place for Ahousaht, until the water system is fully repaired.

Morebottled water will also be available as people need it, Charleson said, adding the community is still accepting donations.

Anyone who can provide bottled water is asked to contact the Ahousaht administration office, Charleson said.

"We are very thankful for all the support we have received."