A replacement water line is now in place for members of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation on the east side of the Ucluelet Inlet.
The line, already being used by the District of Ucluelet, was repurposed to carry water from Ucluelet across the inlet to where about 280 members of the First Nation live.
Island Health has deemed the water safe for consumption following tests, the District of Ucluelet said Monday.
The First Nation is finalizing its water-testing requirements and will decide what communication is needed regarding when and how water restrictions will be lifted, the district said.
The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Nation declared a state of emergency after an underwater line carrying potable water across the inlet broke. It has been cut off from potable water since Jan. 17.
Local officials suspect a recent volcanic eruption near Tonga may have dislodged anchors holding the water line to the seabed, allowing it to float up and be damaged by a passing vessel.
Trucks brought in water and jugs were filled while the district tackled the problem. The district owns the water-supply infrastructure.
The initial plan was to repair the line, but that proved impossible.
