Batchewana First Nation, ON – May 8, 2025 – Please be advised that Batchewana First Nation (BFN) has issued a Boil Water Advisory for all residents connected to the Water Treatment Plant of the Goulais Bay 15A Reserve, following the detection of elevated turbidity levels at the community’s Water Treatment Facility.
The exceedance is attributed to seasonal runoff caused by recent snowmelt and rainfall, which has impacted water clarity. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water and is a common occurrence during this time of year due to natural discharge from the Goulais River.
As a precaution, all residents are advised to boil their drinking water for at least one (1) full minute before consuming, including for cooking, brushing teeth, and washing fruits or vegetables.
The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until all of the following conditions are met:
- Treated water turbidity levels are at or below 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units).
- Chlorine residuals are consistently maintained at or above 0.2 mg/L.
- Two consecutive sets of bacteriological water samples, taken 24 to 48 hours apart and from points farthest from the distribution entry, confirm the absence of bacteria.
Once these criteria are satisfied and verified, the advisory will be rescinded, and an update will be provided to the community.
This advisory has been issued by BFN leadership in the interest of protecting the health and safety of all community members.
Bottled water will be delivered to each household affected. If you run out over the weekend, water will be available at the Water Treatment Plant. Please contact Regis Poulin, Community Health Representative, at (705) 987-3975 if you have any questions or concerns.
Updates will be shared on the BFN website at www.batchewana.ca and via the Batchewana First Nation Facebook page as more information becomes available.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we address this matter with urgency.
Meegwetch,
Chief Mark McCoy