MIAWPUKEK FIRST NATION, N.L. – A long-term drinking water advisory for the community of Miawpukek First Nation has been lifted.
The advisory, which had been in effect since September 2014, was removed on June 13 following testing, according to a release from the federal government.
Indigenous Services Canada invested $2.4 million for improvements to the community's water treatment plant, including upgrades to the disinfection system, a building expansion, and repairs.
"Water is a fundamental human need and is one of the most importance substances on earth,” Saqamaw Misel Joe said in the release. “Having safe drinking water is essential to the health of our people and we are extremely pleased that the long-standing boil advisory has ended."
Miawpukek First Nation, located at the mouth of the Conne River on the province’s south coast, is a Mi'kmaq community of approximately 920 members. The community was formerly known as Conne River.
"I am pleased to see another long-term drinking water advisory lifted,” Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott said.
“I would like to commend Chief Mi'sel Joe and the residents of Miawpukek First Nation for their perseverance while this advisory remained in place."
A community information session was held to discuss the lifting of the drinking water advisory today, June 20.
