Environmental work is advancing at six NWT airports to investigate the presence and extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and to inform future actions.

PFAS are a group of chemicals found in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including items like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, cosmetics, and some firefighting foams. They are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and stay in the environment for a long time.

PFAS are often found at higher levels near airports, industrial sites, and landfills where they are commonly used or discarded. Airports in Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, Norman Wells, and Yellowknife have been identified for testing due to prior results and historic use of PFAS-containing agents during fire training.

Stantec is conducting the first environmental site assessment at the Hay River Airport, with results expected in 2026. The other environmental site assessments will be carried out over the next few years. Results will be shared publicly as they become available.

All NWT community water treatment plants were tested for PFAS following the 2023 wildfire season. This enhanced testing was a precautionary step to confirm drinking water remained safe and to support ongoing monitoring because severe wildfires can temporarily affect how water and existing contaminants move through the environment.

The enhanced testing initially detected PFAS were present at the water treatment plant in Norman Wells. The GNWT has since conducted quarterly testing in Norman Wells and results from August and October 2025 show there are no detectable PFAS in the drinking water. All other NWT communities continue to show there are no PFAS in their treated drinking water.

Based on these results, the GNWT does not plan to conduct PFAS testing in every NWT community as part of the annual drinking water testing. Monitoring in Norman Wells will continue until at least 2026, and the GNWT will reassess its approach if new information or updated guidelines on PFAS become available.

For media requests, please contact:
Ministerial media requests:
Cabinet Communications
Press Secretary
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

Environmental monitoring and regulations around environmental contamination:
Thomas Bentham
A/Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Thomas_Bentham@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49033 

Investigating PFAS contamination on INF-managed sites (airports):
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Jacqueline_McKinnon@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9088 ext. 31166

Information about human health impacts and regulations for drinking water quality:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49033 

Information about drinking water testing, and resource for working with community governments :
Peter Tah
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9162 ext. 21012