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Some water fixtures with lead above allowable Health Canada guidelines have been found at Inuvik’s East Three Elementary and Secondary School, the Beaufort Delta Divisional Education Council says.
A July 15 news release posted to the elementary school’s Facebook page stated several water fixtures are affected. Sonia Gregory, the elementary school’s principal, commented on the Facebook post that only “a sink in a teaching lab that is not regularly used by students” was affected in that side of the facility.
All fixtures with lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration were taken out of service, while other fixtures “require flushing prior to use,” the news release stated.
The news release said alternative drinking sources would be provided and unaffected fixtures can still be used.
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“The school is following all measures outlined in the Public Health Order to protect the health and safety of students and staff,” the news release said.
The results are the latest in a territory-wide testing initiative triggered by elevated lead levels at a Yellowknife school more than a year ago.
Officials have said community water supplies don’t have a lead problem but some older buildings do because of fixtures in their plumbing.
Lead is a concern because it’s toxic. In adults, that can mean problems with your heart, kidneys or reproductive health. It’s considered more serious if children are exposed because it can affect brain development. The GNWT has said it is testing schools as a priority because of that.
For the latest information on GNWT lead testing in schools, visit the GNWT’s website.
