The Community Government of Behchokǫ̀ in the Northwest Territories has issued a water conservation advisory for residents in Edzo due to low water levels at the West Channel water intake that are causing technical issues at the local water plant.
Low water levels in the West Channel, which sits between Marian Lake and Great Slave Lake, have forced maintenance crews to use diesel-powered pumps to keep water flowing to the treatment facility. The Tłıchǫ Government is asking all households on the piped water system to reduce their daily water use until conditions improve.
This request follows a period in late February 2026 when several community buildings, including the Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School and the Ko Gocho Sportsplex, went without water for multiple days. Local officials have noted that the water pipes in Edzo are more than 50 years old and have never been replaced, leading to recurring service problems during the winter months.
Upgrading the community’s aging water system is estimated to cost between $6 million and $14 million. While the territorial government provides regular funding for local services, officials have stated there is currently no extra money available to cover the high cost of a full system replacement.
