The provincial government has announced $240,000 to hire three regional water operators to help municipalities with drinking and wastewater systems.

There are more than 180 boil water advisories in the province due to a variety of issues including maintenance, and a lack of chlorination or disinfection systems.

Municipal Affairs Minister Krista Lynn Howell made the announcement yesterday in Gander on World Water Day.

Howell says communities will now have access to a water operator, which she calls a big piece of the puzzle.

The operators will be located in the eastern, central and western regions, with the western region also serving Labrador.