The territorial government has issued a new public-health order for East Three Elementary and Secondary in Inuvik after tests found elevated lead levels in some drinking-water fixtures, officials confirmed Thursday. At the same time, a separate public-health order for Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah has been lifted following remediation and follow-up testing.
Where the concerns remain
Results released as part of the Northwest Territories’ territory-wide drinking-water testing program show that some fixtures at East Three Elementary and Secondary exceeded the lead levels recommended by Health Canada. The Beaufort Delta Divisional Education Council said the office of the chief public health has issued a public-health order for the Inuvik school. The territory is providing alternative drinking water sources while work is carried out.
Other schools with recent results
The territory also announced that Samuel Hearne Secondary School has a public-health order in place for its carpentry and autobody shops after elevated lead was found in those facilities. Meanwhile, follow-up testing at École Įtłʼǫ̀ elementary in Yellowknife found all fixtures to be within acceptable guidelines.
- East Three Elementary and Secondary (Inuvik): public-health order in effect; alternative water provided.
- Samuel Hearne Secondary: public-health order for carpentry and autobody shops.
- Kaw Tay Whee School (Dettah): public-health order lifted after remediation and testing returned to acceptable levels.
- École Įtłʼǫ̀ elementary (Yellowknife): all fixtures tested within guidelines.
Scope and background
The testing initiative began in October of last year after initial samples in some schools showed lead levels above Health Canada recommendations. Officials say more than 30 N.W.T. schools have been found to have elevated lead levels at one or more fixtures since testing began. The territory is continuing systematic tests and remediation as required.
| School | Recent status |
|---|---|
| East Three Elementary and Secondary (Inuvik) | Public-health order; alternative water supplied |
| Samuel Hearne Secondary | Public-health order for specific shops |
| Kaw Tay Whee School (Dettah) | Order lifted after remediation and follow-up testing |
| École Įtłʼǫ̀ elementary (Yellowknife) | All fixtures within acceptable guidelines |
Parents, staff and community members have been receiving updates from school authorities and the territorial government as testing proceeds. The territory says where lead is found above Health Canada guidance, steps are taken to either restrict access to affected fixtures, provide alternative drinking water, or remediate and re-test until levels return to acceptable ranges.
As the program continues, officials have emphasised the importance of testing each fixture rather than assuming a whole building’s water supply is safe or unsafe. For families and staff with immediate concerns, schools and the government remain the points of contact for up-to-date information about mitigation measures and timelines for remediation.
