Officials on the Potlotek First Nation in Cape Breton say they’re working to fix the water discolouration problem.
A permanent solution will take years to resolve, but residents say they’re running out of patience.
The people in the community say they have been dealing with the water problem for several years.
They say it’s unhealthy and has caused them much grief, including skin problems.
“The only way we will use our water is to flush the toilet,” says Chapel Island resident Kenny Basque. “Sometimes you have to shower with it. Sometimes I go three or four days without showering because the water stinks and it’s black. It’s very unhealthy.”
Many residents, like Basque, have been using jugs of clean water for cooking, cleaning and bathing.
Chief Wilbert Marshall said on Friday they’ll be able to fix the problem temporarily, but warns it will take longer for a permanent fix.
“We want it done right,” he says. “That’s why it’s taking three-to-five years to do the right plan, on an interim bases we’re fixing it.”
The timeline is not sitting well with people who live on the reserve; many say they’re growing impatient.
“I don’t think we can wait years and years to get this water problem fixed,” add Basque. “We need to get it fixed right now. Not today, maybe next week or next month but not 2020.”
The water treatment facility in Chapel Island is not designed to handle high amounts of iron.
When mixed with chlorine it’s turning the water a yellow-type of colour.
The community has been under a boil water effect since February, with no signs of it being lifted anytime soon.
“At the pump house right now there’s a panel there that keeps tripping off,” explains Chief Marshall. “It’s the pipes also, they’re old. The water tower also, wasn’t the right design. From the get-go, it was the wrong decision.”
Officials said on Thursday the water was okay to drink, but on Friday Chief Marshall alerted residents not to drink the water.
Instead, he will be handing out bottled water from the local store.
“When they put this system in many years ago, that we had the best this side east of Vancouver, but I guess we don’t,” says resident Kenny Basque. “I think we need somebody from an outside source to come and test our water.”
Band officials are scheduled to meet with engineers on Monday to try and get a better idea of the problem.
Chief Marshall says the government has already promised a new water facility and tower for the community that will be in place within the coming years.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
