Yellowknife — August 23, 2025
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received follow-up testing results confirming elevated lead levels in the drinking water at N.J. Macpherson School.
All 22 sinks and fountains used for drinking or food preparation at the school were tested. Of those, five fixtures showed Tier 2 lead levels above Health Canada’s guideline of 5 micrograms per litre (5 µg/L). Tier 2 samples are collected after flushing the tap for five minutes, followed by 30 minutes of stagnation. One additional result is still pending; however, in the interest of protecting public health, that site is being treated as impacted. All drinking fountains and water bottle fill stations tested below Health Canada’s guideline. N.J. Macpherson was prioritized for testing due to school’s age, the age of its students, and earlier results showing elevated lead. A random follow-up sample taken on March 11 had shown lead levels below the guideline.
As a precaution, the Chief Public Health Officer has issued a Health Order requiring the school to flush the whole system daily and provide alternative safe drinking water until mitigation measures are complete. Drinking fountains will remain available for use.
Recent blood testing of 26 individuals connected to William McDonald School showed results within normal range. Most children who have lead in their blood do not show immediate symptoms, but even low levels can affect development, especially in young children.
If you are concerned about elevated lead levels, please contact Primary Care by completing the Callback Request Form and select 'YK Primary Care Regarding Public Health Order'. The NTHSSA continues efforts to ensure specific staff are assigned to manage these needs and streamline the process. By completing the Callback Request Form, Primary Care Assistants can more efficiently manage scheduling and clinic capacity. They will follow up with you directly to book an appointment where your bloodwork can be done during the same visit if required, eliminating the need for separate trips to primary care and the lab, as is usually required.
There are no concerns about lead in the municipal drinking water in Yellowknife or in other NWT communities. Regular testing confirms it meets all safety standards.
Testing of all NWT schools will take place as soon as possible, following a prioritized approach guided by national best practices and advice from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer. Schools will be prioritized based on factors such as the age of the facility, existing water quality data, the age of students, and results from initial random sampling.
The accompanying backgrounder has information on results from the recent N.J. Macpherson testing.
For more information on lead and your health, visit:
For more information on lead testing in NWT Schools, visit:
- https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom?search_api_views_fulltext=lead&f%5B0%5D=field_news_department%3A94
The GNWT will hold a media briefing on Tuesday, August 26 to answer questions on testing and mitigation measures in Range Lake North, William McDonald, and N.J. Macpherson schools.
For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9352 ext. 71073
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9052 ext. 49034
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9088 ext. 31166
