Boiling 'esthetically unsuitable' water not an option for Potlotek

High levels of manganese and iron in the PotlotekFirst Nation's domestic water supply do not constitute a health hazard, but do make that water"esthetically unsuitable for drinking," according to Health Canada.

The agency says the concentration of the two minerals contributes to water discolouration, staining of plumbing fixtures and foul odours.

Boiling the water is not a solution because doing so would increase the concentration of iron and manganese causing discolouration in the water,the agency said.

"That's why Health Canada recommended bottled water for the community," said Health Canada spokeswoman Rebecca Gilman in an email to CBC News.

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The water can still be used for sanitary purposes such as bathing, showering and flushing toilets, said Gilman.

The release said bottled water will be supplied to the community by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office.