Work to remediate fountains and sinks at Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Elementary School and Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School, Fort Simpson; Mackenzie Mountain School, Norman Wells; Fort Simpson Student Residences, Fort Simpson; Echo Dene School, Fort Liard; Mezi School, Whatì, are complete. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has lifted the Health Orders previously in place for these schools, following confirmation that lead levels in drinking water are within Health Canada guidelines.

Standard operating procedures are being developed to support ongoing maintenance – including filter replacement and routine re-testing – to ensure the water remains safe over time.

Across the territory, fixture mitigations are under way. Of 53 sites tested, 28 have now been confirmed to have lead levels below standards set by Health Canada. Work will continue to progress over the following months as supplies are delivered to sites.

As the work is completed, signs are being installed in schools to show staff and students where they should get drinking water. These approved drinking water sources may include water fountains, bottle-filling stations, kitchen taps, and other fixtures specific to each school program. A “Do Not Consume” sign does not mean that a fixture failed water quality testing or is unsafe to use. They are being installed as a precaution to clearly identify the water sources that will be regularly tested, monitored, and maintained for drinking water quality.

Related Links:

• Web Page: Lead Testing in JK-12 School Drinking Water
• Drinking Water Lead Testing in NWT Schools: Procedure for the Design, Collection, Analysis and Testing of Lead in Drinking Water for Northwest Territories Schools
• Drinking Water Lead Testing in NWT Schools – Handout
• WSCC Worker’s Report of Injury Form
• Monitoring and Testing of Water in the NWT

For media requests, please contact:
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9082 ext. 31166