Makivik Magazine Issue 102

BOB MESHER
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Green Corner
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Water Tank Sanitation
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The growth of microorganisms in
residential water tanks can pose a
serious risk to our health.
The quality of drinking water is an issue that affects us all. The
Quebec Act to Affirm the Collective Nature of Water Resources
Protection states that: “Water is for everyone’s use and must be
accessible in the quantity and quality required to meet every
individual’s essential needs.” The water tanks located in Nunavik’s
housing units contain water that is essential for drinking, personal
hygiene and everyday use.
According to a study prepared by the
Nunavik Board of Health and Social Services
in 2005, the growth of microorganisms in residential
water tanks can pose a serious risk
to our health. In most of Nunavik’s communities,
the water tanks in social housing units
have not been cleaned frequently. As part of
the mandate of the Kativik Environmental
Advisory Committee, studies on water
tank cleaning were initiated by the École
Polytechnique de Montréal from 2007 to 2009.
The results of these studies indicate that
water tanks should be cleaned at least once
a year on a preventative basis.
It is for this reason the Kativik Municipal
Housing Bureau (KMHB) undertook a pilot
project last April to initiate a water tank
cleaning program for Nunavik’s social housing
units. The focus of the pilot program was
to effectively test equipment, demonstrate
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www.keac-ccek.ca
cleaning techniques, and train local staff. To date the communities
of Tasiujaq and Quaqtaq as well as portions of Kuujjuaq and
Puvirnituq have been completed. The remainder of the communities
should be done within the next year.
SAMMY KUDLUK
MAKIVIK mag a zine
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