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Plant to remove sodium from water best option for Sanikiluaq's woes, CGS minister says

Residents in Sanikiluaq have endured numerous boil water orders over the past two years, including the latest one issued on May 30.

Community and Government Services Minister Lorne Kusugak: "There is a lot of work to be done in that community."

MLA Allan Rumbolt pressed Community and Government Services (CGS) Minister Lorne Kusugak on May 31 for an update on the GN's progress to address Sanikiluaq's drinking water issues.

Kusugak started off with an apology "because there is a lot of work to be done in that community." He said a feasibility study is in its final stages and the document will be shared with the legislative assembly during the summer sitting. Kusugak revealed, however, that a desalination plant, which would remove sodium and minerals from water to make it consumable, has been identified as the best option. Yet it's not known if there's sufficient power in Sanikiluaq to operate such a plant. If not, an alternate power source may have to be considered, said Kusugak.

The CGS minister added that 257 reverse osmosis machines have been installed in residences and public places in the community.

"To date we haven’t had any real issues other than ensuring that we do have replacements
ready in the community so that we’re not waiting to replace the filtration system," Kusugak added.