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Masset, Old Massett water advisory lifted

Northern Health maintained a water advisory for Masset and Old Massett from Friday to Monday, after a sample tested positive for E. coli and coliform bacteria."We typically have a two type indicator for water testing," said Environmental Health Officer Debby Peng, "The Canadian drinking water guidelines state that both should be non-detectable in drinking water."Of the four samples submitted from the Masset Community Water System, one tested positive for contamination, said Trevor Jarvic, Village of Masset's Chief Administrative Officer.Any E. coli detection warrants an immediate response, Ms Peng added, so Northern Health contacted the Village of Masset and the Haida Health Centre Friday evening, as soon as the results were in.The Village of Masset and Old Massett Village Council each responded by calling businesses, posting notices at shops, and updating websites and Facebook pages. Meanwhile, technicians increased the chlorine dosage and flushed the water lines to clear water system.Old Massett Village Council and the First Nations Health Authority, which have an on-site laboratory, was the first to lift the advisory Monday morning after two samples tested satisfactory, Ms Peng said. The Village of Masset, whose water must be sent to Prince Rupert, got the "all clear" 3 pm on Monday.All islanders can have their water tested, Ms Peng said. The north-end hospital accepts water samples the first Tuesday of every month between the hours of 1 pm and 4 pm. Bottles can be picked up from the laboratory and she reminds people collect their samples the same day no earlier than 9 am.