The Haida Gwaii village of Port Clements is considering the suspension of residential water services as the community grapples with a critical water crisis.

The Public Works Department of the tiny community of 340 issued a public notice Jan. 18 warning of the possibility. The crisis was caused by a significant increase in water demand, alongside a reduced recovery rate from the village鈥檚 wells.

It鈥檚 believed the increased usage is due to activities aimed at preventing pipe freeze, by allowing water to run at a low, continuous flow.

鈥淚t is under consideration that the village may need to suspend the water service entirely to facilitate reserve recovery,鈥� a village public notice reads. 鈥淭his would have serious impacts for the community including impacts on fire protection services.鈥�

As a matter of urgency, the village is requesting residents minimise water usage to essential needs, halt all freeze protection activities involving water use and inspect their plumbing for leaks.

Following a Jan. 17 public notice, a slight improvement in the water reserve recovery rate was observed. However, the situation remains critical, with the possibility of a complete water service shutdown still under consideration.

鈥淎s such, it continues to be severely important that water system usage continues to be reduced to essential personal needs only and used conservatively,鈥� the village said.

Officials added they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are also advised they may experience rolling loss of water pressure as emergency leak detection is conducted throughout the community.