Schools in Fort Providence, Whatì and Gamètì are the latest to be placed under public health orders after testing found lead levels above Health Canada guidelines.
The territorial government said some water fixtures at Deh Gah School, Mezi Community School and Jean Wetrade School tested above the maximum acceptable concentration for lead in drinking water. Affected fixtures are out of service and alternative drinking water is being provided.
The territory said it will replace fixtures or install filters at the three schools and carry out follow-up testing before any are returned to service.
Meanwhile, testing gave the all-clear to Kakisa School and Yellowknife’s École Įtł’ǫ̀, where all fixtures were within guidelines.
The results add Fort Providence, Whatì and Gamètì to a growing list of communities where school water has failed lead tests.
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Schools in Aklavik, Behchokǫ̀, Délı̨nę, Dettah, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Sachs Harbour, Tsiigehtchic, Ulukhaktok and Wrigley – as well as several in Yellowknife – have all recorded elevated levels since territory-wide testing began.
