Schools in Aklavik, Tsiigehtchic and Fort Simpson are the latest to show elevated lead levels in some water fixtures according to new test results.
In a Wednesday notice, the NWT government said the territory’s chief public health officer had issued orders for Moose Kerr School, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ student residences and Chief Paul Niditchie School.
The GNWT said alternate sources of drinking water will be provided while water fixtures and fountains at the schools are out of service or a flushing protocol is in place.
The territory said it is trying to identify and implement corrective measures like replacing fixtures or installing filters where needed.
Affected fixtures will only be used again once follow-up testing confirms the water meets all health standards and is approved by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer after a health risk assessment.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
More: Ten questions (and answers) about lead in NWT schools
The three schools are among more than 40 in the NWT where lead testing is taking place following earlier findings of high lead levels in some Yellowknife schools.
After this article was first published, the GNWT issued a fresh notice on Thursday regarding Fort Simpson’s Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Elementary School.
Two affected fixtures at that school must be flushed before use, the territory stated, but otherwise the school’s water is safe to use.
