High levels of manganese detected in tap water in Nahanni Butte, N.W.T.

Residents on Nahanni Butte, N.W.T., are being told to be cautious about and in some cases avoiddrinking tap water due to high levels of manganese.

According to a public health advisory released July 16, anyone who is pregnant, as well as infants and children under five,should not drink the tap water. It should also not be used in mixing infant formula, making ice cubes or preparing food for anyone in these categories.

Manganese isn't an issue that can be solved by boiling water. The advisory, sent out by the chief environmental health officer, noted doing so can actually increase the manganese level.

Brita filters are also insufficient, it added.

"Long-term exposure to high levels of manganese can cause neurological effects in young children," it reads.

Adults and older children are at lower risk, it says, "but should still take precautions." It does not specify whether or not it is safe for them to consume tap water.

The water can still be used for showering, bathing and washing.

The water quality issue is due to a failure in the community's water treatment process, according to the health officer's statement.

"A new filtration system has been installed, and manganese levels are expected to decrease in the coming months," it stated.

The advisory said a formal notice will be given when the advisory is lifted.

The announcement comes a day after the chief environmental health officer issued a boil water advisory for Sambaa K'edue to a mechanical failure in the community's water treatment system.