The Eskimo Point water supply program

Abstract

Eskimo Point, Northwest Territories, is a predominantly Inuit community of about 900 people, located on the west shore of Hudson Bay. Formerly, its water supply was obtained from nearby small, sometimes polluted, shallow lakes, which freeze to the bottom in winter, necessitating an ice-cutting operation. In 1973, a study was undertaken to investigate alternative methods of improving Eskimo Point's water supply. The recommended solution was the construction of a 6 500 000 gal (29 548 350 L) earth fill reservoir, lined with a hypalon membrane.Further field investigations and detailed design of the facility were carried out in 1974. All long-term delivery items were pre-ordered, and a general contractor was selected through public tender. Utilization of local manpower and equipment was specified.Construction commenced in mid-June of 1975 with the contractor providing on-the-job training to local Inuit, who adapted quickly to the equipment. Within 2 weeks, an all-local labour force was working around the clock constructing the reservoir embankments. Placement of a membrane liner of approximately 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) took 1 week, and was followed by placement of a protective layer of fill over the liner. Through good cooperation among owner, supplier, contractor, and engineer, the reservoir was completed in the fall of 1975 in time to be filled with water from a lake approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) away.