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Manganese levels in Nahanni Butte's tap water are now safe

After two months, residents in Nahanni Butte, N.W.T., no longer need to worry about high manganese levels in their drinking water.

Residents were told in July to be cautious about drinking water due to high levels of manganese

A close-up of a chrome-finish faucet.
Manganese levels in the drinking water in Nahanni Butte, N.W.T., are normal again, the territory says. (Steve Silva/CBC)

After two months, residents in Nahanni Butte, N.W.T., no longer need to worry about high manganese levels in their drinking water.

A public health advisory Friday afternoon notified residents the water is now safe.

The update came two months after the territory's chief environmental health officer warned people to be careful with the water. High levels of manganese meant anyone who is pregnant, as well as infants and children under five, were advised to not drink the water.

Friday's update said a new water filtration system has now been installed in the community and manganese levels are below Canadian drinking guidelines.

The update also suggests residents and businesses flush and clean their home tanks, in case manganese built up in their tanks and distribution system over the past couple months.