Community Update: Water Quality Advisory Remains in Place

Update as of 11:00am, Aug. 16, 2026

A Water Quality Advisory remains in place for the Six Mile, Bradley Creek, Irish Creek and Head of the Lake water systems until further notice. The advisory was issued by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) due to ongoing waterworks.

The ongoing waterworks could introduce contamination into the system, so the advisory is in place as a precaution to provide additional protection for those who may be most vulnerable.

The advisory is specifically targeted to infants, pregnant people, Elders and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. People in these groups should consider boiling water for at least one minute before drinking, preparing beverages, brushing teeth, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food or mixing infant formula.

For other residents, tap water can continue to be used for drinking, food preparation and cooking, as well as bathing, showering, handwashing, laundry, cleaning, toilet flushing, dishwashing and caring for pets and livestock.

Residents returning home should:

• Run all cold-water taps for 5 to 10 minutes to flush stagnant water from household plumbing.
• Discard any ice made before the evacuation and clean ice-making equipment before use.
• Do not consume water that appears cloudy or discoloured, or has an unusual odour.

Bottled water

OKIB has a limited supply of bottled water available for Elders and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Water jugs are available Sunday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at:

Public Works and Housing Office
11505 Westside Road

Head of the Lake Hall
118 Head of the Lake Road

Water jugs will also be available at Head of the Lake Hall on Monday, August 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A water cube containing potable water is also available at the OKIB Fire Hall if additional water is needed. The Water Quality Advisory remains in effect until further notice. Please continue to follow FNHA guidance and monitor official OKIB channels for updates.