Territory-wide lead testing protocol launched for NWT JK-12 schools

News Releases

A territory-wide lead testing protocol launches this week for school drinking water. The protocol outlines a clear, consistent, and science-based approach to sampling and testing water in all Northwest Territories (NWT) JK-12 schools.

The protocol is grounded in Health Canada’s guidance and was adapted to meet the unique needs of the NWT, which include logistical challenges such as remote locations, trucked water systems, and older infrastructure in some schools.

The order of school testing is based on a review of previous testing conducted to date as well as facility age, number and age of children, as well as other relevant public health and mechanical factors. If travel to a community is already occurring and we can include this testing protocol, we will proceed with testing, even if the school(s) in that community were not prioritized.

Drinking water in NWT schools is typically provided through regulated potable water systems. However, plumbing within buildings can still be a minor source of lead. The lead testing protocol specifies that testing is conducted at the tap, which is the most accurate measure of exposure.

If elevated levels of lead are found, immediate and appropriate actions will be taken. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer will be notified and will issue a drinking water advisory. Schools will take mitigation steps to address the risk. These steps might include any of the following:

  • providing alternative source of potable water
  • placing “do not consume” signage at affected taps/fountains
  • following a daily flushing protocol
  • disabling affected taps/fountains

If elevated levels of lead are found, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) will plan and complete necessary remediation actions. Fixtures will be retested and only returned to use when test results meet the guidelines.

Going forward, the public can find information about upcoming lead testing in drinking water in NWT schools, completed testing, and actions taken, online at https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/resources/nwt_lead_water_testing_protocol_0.pdf.

The GNWT will continue working closely with health professionals, infrastructure experts, and school communities as drinking water quality in schools remains a priority. 

Testing will be completed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year, with periodic updates provided as it progresses. This timeline ensures that all school testing across the NWT is comprehensive, follows Health Canada guidelines and current best practices, and is conducted under the advice and approval of the Chief Public Health Officer. The most recent testing took place at Angik School in Paulatuk on October 22, 2025. While we await results, planning is underway to schedule additional schools for testing. For the latest updates, visit: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/student-support-and-wellness/lead-testing-jk-12-school-drinking-water-0

Quote:
 

“As a government, our first responsibility is to protect the health and well-being of students, staff, and families. This territory-wide lead testing protocol reflects that commitment. The science-based approach—adapted to the unique realities of our remote communities, trucked water systems, and aging infrastructure—ensures we are identifying risks at the source and acting quickly when needed. We will continue working with health experts, infrastructure teams, and school communities to make sure every student in the NWT has access to clean, safe drinking water.”

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

  • The territory-wide lead testing protocol in drinking water uses a two-tier testing process to identify and trace sources of lead, whether from fixtures or internal plumbing. Tier 1 samples are collected after eight to twenty-four hours of stagnation. These results represent lead that may leach into the water from plumbing when water sits unused overnight. Tier 2 samples are collected after flushing the tap for five minutes, followed by 30 minutes of stagnation. These Tier 2 results reflect typical water use during the day and represent lead exposure under regular conditions. This may vary with high usage areas. CPHO consideration focuses on Tier 2 results to assess human health risk. 
  • Recent blood testing of 37 individuals connected to school lead levels 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.  
     
  • There are no concerns about lead in the municipal drinking water in any NWT communities. Regular testing confirms that drinking water meets regulatory requirements.

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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

Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9088 ext. 31166