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The Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation is working to pump well water into homes following a fire that destroyed its water treatment plant.
Monday’s fire sent toxic smoke into the air forcing the evacuations of nearby homes. The smoke damaged two nearby homes, one of which may be a total loss, according to Chief Brady O’Watch. Residents in the other homes that were evacuated have been able to move back.
O’Watch said crews are working to clear the rubble from the scene, they’ll then test the pipes to see if there is any chemical contamination. If everything comes back clear, the First Nation hopes to pump well water into homes by Monday for use in toilets and showers. That water would not be safe to use for drinking or cooking.
“This would be basically untreated water. That’s why we’re trying to find, in the meantime until we’re able to construct (a permanent) one, a temporary water treatment plant,” said O’Watch.
The First Nation is currently relying on jugs and bottles of water for drinking but will need a temporary water treatment system. It’s following in the footsteps of Piapot First Nation after its water treatment plant also burned down in October.
Chief O’Watch explained normally it would take two to three years to build a water treatment plant from scratch. He believes with the help from Piapot, following the same process, they can cut the timeline down to 12 to 16 months.
“We can actually follow through with what they’ve done with the same resources, the same companies,” said O’Watch.
In the meantime, the Red Cross is providing water and accommodating people with health issues during the emergency. O’Watch said Indigenous Services Canada is also helping with any added costs incurred during the water shortage.
Some patients at the medical clinic who need 24/7 care and access to water have been moved to a hotel in Regina along with a medical team.
“We’re very thankful, we’re very honoured.
“It’s more help than we thought we would have,” said O’Watch.