Sanikiluaq residents warned not to drink tap water — even if boiled

The Nunavut government is flying bottled water into the community of Sanikiluaq, pop. 850, after issuing an advisory Thursday that the water isn't safe to drink — even if boiled. 

Testing has detected high levels of sodium; boiling the water will only raise sodium levels, though the water is safe for bathing and cooking. 

The Department of Health says the sodium levels in Sanikiluaq's water are still below the nationally recommended levels, and the water meets the Canadian drinking water guidelines. The sodium level affects the taste of water.

Excess sodium can cause adverse health effects for people with high blood pressure, and those on sodium-reduced diets or with other medical conditions. Infants, children and the elderly are also at higher risk. 

The Department of Health says the advisory is precautionary and aims to protect those vulnerable to health effects of elevated sodium.

Bottled water is now available for free at the hamlet's community hall.

Four flights on Friday were bringing more bottled water into the community, with two more scheduled for Saturday. 

The hamlet is also ordering 250 reverse osmosis units that will remove impurities. 

Darren Flynn, assistant deputy minister with Community and Government Services, says the units are expected to arrive June 30 and will take about 10 days to install. They're slated to go into public housing, staff housing and private residences. 

Flynn says the units are a temporary solution. He had no timeline on when the water would be safe to drink again. 

The community of about 850 is located on the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay.