Kashechewan water crisis continues after sewage pump failure

A sewage pump failure led to sewage entering Kashechewan’s drinking water plant, prompting a 'Do Not Consume' advisory on Jan. 5 and the evacuation of roughly half the community.

Kashechewan First Nation remains under evacuation after a sewage system failure affected the community's drinking water plant. The chief said waterworks staff first flagged a pump problem on Dec. 18; a replacement was later installed but sewage had already backed into the plant. Indigenous Services Canada issued a "Do Not Consume" advisory on Jan. 5 and reported that testing is ongoing. Around half of the community’s roughly 2,500 members have been evacuated and health professionals have been deployed to assist. Current facts: - A pump malfunction was first reported on Dec. 18; a replacement pump was installed after the backup occurred. - Sewage entered the community's drinking water treatment plant, leading to a Do Not Consume advisory issued Jan. 5 by Indigenous Services Canada. - Indigenous Services Canada said no reportable E. coli has been confirmed in patient testing so far, and testing and public health follow-up are ongoing. - Approximately 1,000 registered evacuees have been transported out, and Indigenous leaders and health staff have been present to support the community. Summary: The pump failure and subsequent contamination have displaced many residents and disrupted local services. Testing and public health follow-up remain in progress while Indigenous Services Canada and community leadership coordinate support. Chief Hosea Wesley has said he will seek an update on a 2019 agreement to relocate the community when he meets with government officials. Undetermined at this time.