Gjoa Haven Boil Water Advisory Lifted After Seven-Month Disruption

The boil water advisory in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, was lifted on August 4, 2026 after nearly seven months of restrictions. The advisory began in mid‑January when a six‑kilometre water main connecting Swan Lake to the community’s treatment plant burst, leaving the 1,400‑person hamlet without safe tap water. Residents relied on trucked, chlorinated lake water and were required to boil all water.

The water filtration plant was cleaned, disinfected and returned to operation on July 28. Subsequent laboratory tests showed no fecal or total coliform bacteria, prompting the Department of Health to recommend ending the advisory. Final approval was given by Nunavut Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Ekua Agyemang after regional environmental health officer Sharlene Lively reviewed the results. Communications manager Charmaine Deogracias confirmed the decision was based on meeting public‑health criteria for safe drinking water.