Getting a glass of water, is no simple task in some Manitoba First Nation communities.
Some people haven't been able to trust their water for years.
Ten communities are currently under a boil water advisory. Now it seems another in northern Manitoba First Nation might be added to the list.
"Every single house we tested, regardless of whether the water came from tap, from bucket, or from cistern, had fecal bacteria in them," said Dr. Ayush Kumar, a microbiologist from the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Kumar and his team recently found 10,000 colony forming units of fecal bacteria per 100 millilitres in samples taken in various places around the unnamed community.
Health Canada guidelines do not allow any in drinking water.
They also found something worse - some of the bacteria tested was antibiotic resistant.
"This is potentially putting the health of individuals living in this whole community at grave risk," said Dr. Kumar.
"It's alarming and I think it's something that most people are not aware of," said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson.
The community has a water treatment plant.
Dr. Kumar said samples tested there were clean and that means the contamination must be happening sometime after it leaves.
North Wilson said Health Canada should investigate immediately.
"We have to do something about it," said North Wilson.
Dr. Kumar agrees and he’s already warned the community about his findings.
Until the problem can be fixed, Dr. Kumar said “the best option would be to boil your water.”
