Ont. First Nation declares emergency over unsafe drinking water

A beach in Grassy Narrows First Nation is shown. (grassynarrows.ca)

The Grassy Narrows First Nation has declared a state of emergency over unsafe drinking water in the community.

The Ontario community also known as Asubpeechoseewagong is located approximately 300 kilometres east of Winnipeg.

In a statement issued Thursday morning, the community advised residents to consume bottled water until its drinking water is considered safe.

"The community is delivering bottled water door-to-door to ensure that their families, many of which have already been impacted by mercury poisoning, have safe drinking water," the statement said.

The statement said that drinking water tests completed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment found turbidity at a level 120 times the safe limit. Turbidity refers to discolouration and particulate matter in the water.

Chemicals that are possible carcinogens were also found in elevated levels.

According to the statement, parts of the community have not been able to drink the tap water for two years due to elevated levels of uranium. The entire community has been under a "boil water" advisory for approximately one year.

In June 2015, a report commissioned by the Ontario government and Grassy Narrows found high mercury levels in the water supply.