An unprecedented rise in turbidity levels has forced the Witset First Nation to temporarily shut down their water treatment plant.
Nephelometric Turbidity Units, or NTUs, are used to measure the concentration of suspended solid water particles in a water source.
Under normal spring melt conditions, the Corya River, which feeds the plant, is expected to hit between 100 and 180 NTUs.
But, between 3:30 and 6:45 yesterday afternoon, levels in the river jumped from 85 NTUs to 369 at their peak.
In an effort to protect the plant itself from potential harm, the Witset First Nation made the decision to shut down operations yesterday evening.
Maintenance crews believe that the meteoric rise in turbidity may have been caused by a landslide prompted by the extreme heat.
Residents are being asked to conserve water for the time being, as crews monitor the situation, and work to keep the plant running.
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