Published 9:25 am Monday, December 8, 2025 The water treatment facility in Kugaaruk was contaminated with ocean water on Dec. 7, creating a state of local emergency, the Government of Nunavut announced. A boil water advisory has been declared. Schools and territorial government offices are closed. The GN is preparing to send of bottled water, water pumps and supplies to collect water for the community from a different source. That shipment is expected to arrive on Dec. 8, according to MLA Cecile Nelvana Lyall, who represents the area. “I want to thank the Hamlet of Kugaaruk, Emergency Management staff, frontline workers and neighbours who are supporting one another,” Lyall said. “I encourage everyone to follow the official updates provided by the hamlet and the GN, and to check in on family and neighbours who may need a bit of extra support.” Nunavut Emergency Management is supporting the hamlet with logistical planning and connecting local authorities with the resources they need, Lyall said. The GN is advising residents to only use water for necessities. “Residents are encouraged to conserve bottled water for essential uses, prepare for up to 72 hours with available supplies, check in on family and neighbours and follow official updates from the hamlet,” the GN said. Kugaaruk’s health centre is only providing emergency services for the time being. Non-urgent appointments and services at the health centre are suspended for now. A boil water advisor had been imposed in the community less than a month ago, on Nov. 10.
Contaminated water creates state of emergency in Kugaaruk
