As a comprehensive investigation continues following reports of elevated levels of lead in two Yellowknife area schools, the territorial government has issued a notification that previous water testing lacked “best practices.”
Testing began at the schools back in November 2024 and officials said they are retesting schools where any elevated lead levels were previously reported.
TBack in November 2024 testing began at N.W.T. schools and officials said they are retesting schools where any elevated lead levels were previously detected.
“Over the past few days, additional resources have been mobilized and expert support engaged to better understand the situation. While a comprehensive investigation is still underway, the GNWT believes it is important to share what is currently known so families, school staff, and the broader public have the facts and a clear understanding of next steps,” GNWT said in a notification issued Saturday evening.
Territorial officials said that the notification was being sent out to keep the public informed of the most recent developments regarding growing concerns about water quality.
GNWT raised “testing methodology” concerns about the validity of previous water testing conducted at schools in the territories.
“The initial water testing in schools was not conducted using national best practices for water sampling,” said officials.
The concerns around testing approaches have raised doubts about the previous results of testing done at schools.
“As a result, the validity of the initial test results—particularly where elevated lead levels were reported—is now in question,” said GNWT.
GNWT said that time and resource constraints contributed to what they said was a “lack of expert” engagement in the water assessments for schools.
“Although the original intent was to complete testing quickly with available resources, the lack of expert involvement compromised the reliability of both the process and the results,’ said GNWT.
In response, officials said they are retesting schools where elevated lead levels were previously reported.
“The GNWT is re-testing all school water sources where elevated lead levels were previously reported, using best practices and appropriate methodology. Results will be shared as soon as they are received—first with schools and families, and then with the public,” said officials.
Officials explained that the original intent of the water testing was to examine the safety of school drinking water.
“The issues identified in the testing process are now enabling clearer steps to ensure water quality and, if necessary, corrective action,” said officials.
The territorial government said a full review is currently underway of the water situation in the schools.
Officials emphasized that what happened in the schools is not an indication of water quality in the territories.
“It is important to reiterate that all drinking water provided to NWT residents is regularly treated and tested to ensure it meets Canadian drinking water standards,” they said.
In their announcement, the territorial government acknowledged the weight of the situation and the concerns it has caused for communities across N.W.T.
Christina Carrigan, a senior advisor with ECE Public Engagement and Open Government, told True North FM earlier this week that GNWT performed sampling in NWT schools beginning in 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 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.”
Carrigan told True North FM that ECE collected 46 samples at 44 schools across the territory. She said that two more schools, Angik School in Paulatuk and JB Tyrrell in Fort Smith, were in the process of being tested.
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.
Parents, guardians and families, including the students themselves, have expressed disappointment in the way that information about the results was handled, including the delay in communication of that information.
Earlier this week, Minister Caitlin Cleveland, minister of Education, Culture and Employment, called for “follow-up system-wide testing.”
Minister Cleveland said she was first made aware of the results of the testing on Monday evening (May 26) 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 announced earlier this week that 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.”
Earlier this week, True North FM reached out to GNWT for more information about the schools being tested and will share those insights when they become available.
