Fort Smith finds elevated lead in water at municipal facilities

The Town of Fort Smith has become the latest NWT community to declare a problem with elevated lead in its water.

Since the territorial government began testing schools at the start of 2025, the issue of plumbing in older buildings leaching lead into the water has been identified across many communities.

For the most part, those tests have been focused on schools. The GNWT says it is prioritizing schools as lead contamination has a heightened impact on younger people.

But municipalities have also begun tests of their own facilities. The City of Yellowknife, for example, reported issues at some buildings earlier this year.

In a Facebook post late on Friday evening, the Town of Fort Smith said tests at its facilities had “found lead levels that require follow-up and action.”

“We understand this may cause concern, and we want to reassure residents that this issue is being taken seriously and addressed as a priority,” the town stated.

Detailed results were not published and nor were the affected facilities listed. The town said more information would be released in the near future.

“Additional testing is underway to confirm the initial results, and steps have already been taken to reduce any risk. The Town has also sent samples to a laboratory in Yellowknife for detailed testing to confirm the presence and levels of lead in each building,” the town stated. “We will share updates as results become available.”

The municipality is now starting work to flush systems, install filters and replace fixtures. Bottled drinking water may be provided at some facilities.

Elevated lead levels in water have become such a widespread concern in the NWT that some residents have questioned whether the problem is the water supply itself.

In every instance to date, governments have said the supply is not the source of the issue. The Town of Fort Smith said the same on Friday, declaring there are “no issues” at its water plant. (Municipal water is tested regularly.)

Instead, officials have repeatedly attributed the problem to the plumbing within older buildings – a concern likely to extend beyond those facilities governments are testing.

More: Ten questions and answers about lead in the water

In the past, territorial and municipal officials have said their governments do not bear responsibility for the testing of plumbing in private homes. The Town of Fort Smith joined them on Friday, stating: “The Town will not be providing testing for private homes, as homeowners are responsible for their own plumbing systems.”

“Residents who would like to test the water in their homes are encouraged to use a reliable testing service and submit samples to an accredited lab,” the municipality added.