In response to the discovery of elevated lead levels in drinking water at two Yellowknife schools earlier this week, Minister Caitlin Cleveland, the minister of Education, Culture and Employment, called for “Follow-up system-wide testing” which is now underway at affected schools.
A representative from ECE said 44 schools across the territories have been tested so far, and two more schools are currently in the process of being tested.
Christina Carrigan, a senior advisor with ECE Public Engagement and Open Government said the next phase of testing will examine all drinking and food preparation water sources at the affected schools.
“ECE, HSS and YK1 are working to gather samples from the schools in question and based on the results of those tests will determine next steps. In the interim out of an abundance of caution alternative water sources are being used in those schools,” she said.
Carrigan confirmed the GNWT performed sampling in NWT schools beginning November 2024.
“The GNWT performed sampling in NWT schools between November 2024 and April 2025. The pilot testing program was developed to proactively test and monitor for lead in school drinking water. The GNWT is not aware of any testing prior to the start of this program,” said Carrigan.
Carrigan told True North FM that ECE collected 46 samples at 44 schools across the territory. She said that five more schools are either currently in the process of being tested or did not require testing due to the newer age of their infrastructure.
“These schools include Angik School, Paulatuk – Is in the process of being tested,” and “JB Tyrrell, Fort Smith – Is in the process of being tested,” she said.
Carrigan said that it was determined that testing was not required for some schools, due to the “newer age” of their building structures, including Įtłʼǫ̀ School in Yellowknife, Chief Albert Wright School in Tulita, Chief T’Selehye School in Fort Good Hope.
Carrigan confirmed that École William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School returned results on the secondary test of a single source within the school that were above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.005 mg/L. École William McDonald Middle School’s sample showed a reading of 0.00903 (mg/L). Range Lake North School’s sample showed a reading of 0.025 (mg/L.)
According to Health Canada’s guidelines (February 2025), the “maximum acceptable concentration” of lead in drinking water is 0.005 mg/L.”
“Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of lead can pose health risks, especially for children, which is why YK1 and ECE are taking this proactive approach,” YK1 officials acknowledged in an announcement this week.
On Tuesday, YK1 announced on their website that “precautionary actions” had been taken in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment after tap water at both École William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School tested positive for lead.
School officials and ECE reported that students and staff at the two affected schools are continuing to use alternate safe drinking water sources (bottled water and dispensers).
Minister Cleveland said she was first made aware of the results of the testing on Monday evening and took action immediately.
“I was first made aware of the results on Monday evening, and immediately ensured precautionary steps were underway. By Tuesday morning, all drinking and cooking water sources at both schools were taken offline — including fountains and cold-water taps in food preparation areas,” she said.
Minister Cleveland said an update is expected within the next week, after which officials will provide further direction based on the findings.
The Minister said a “third-party review” has been initiated to investigate how this happened and “ensure full accountability.”
Minister Cleveland emphasized that the situation was “unacceptable.”
“Parents deserve peace of mind, and students and staff deserve safe learning environments. I will do everything necessary to help restore that trust.”
