Drinking water safety update for Echo Dene School in Acho Dene Koe, Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour, K’alemi Dene School in Ndılǫ, Charles Yohin School in Nahanni Butte, and Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk

Press Release

April 13, 2026

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Echo Dene School in Acho Dene Koe and Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the schools.

Effective immediately, affected water fixtures and water fountains at Echo Dene School in Acho Dene Koe and Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour will be out of service, and an alternative drinking water source will be provided, where it is not already in place.

The GNWT is taking the following steps to address the issue:

Identify and implement remediation measures for the affected water fixtures, such as replacing fixtures or installing filters. More detailed information on remediation measures will be added to this webpage as it is confirmed.
Once all corrective measures are completed, follow-up testing will be carried out and reported to the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer for health risk assessment.
Use of affected fixtures will only resume once new safety systems are in place, testing confirms the water meets all health standards, and approval is provided by the OCPHO.

Water testing for K’alemi Dene School in Ndılǫ, Charles Yohin School in Nahanni Butte, and Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk is complete. Testing has confirmed that all drinking water fixtures show lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

No remediation or mitigation measures are required, and K’alemi Dene School, Charles Yohin School, and Mangilaluk School can use sinks and water fountains normally. Mangilaluk School is currently under renovation, so water will be tested again after construction is complete.

Water testing for these schools is part of the GNWT’s commitment to test drinking water in every school in the territory. A priority-based protocol guides the order in which schools are tested, based on factors such as facility age, previous water quality information, and the age of students. While the protocol determines sequencing, the commitment remains the same: all schools will be tested using a science-based approach that reflects Health Canada’s guidance and the conditions of the North.

When GNWT staff are already scheduled to travel to a community, and testing can be incorporated, the GNWT may proceed at that time, even if the school was not identified among the highest priorities.

The GNWT will support an Education Body that chooses to safely provide alternate drinking water as a precaution while testing and remediation continue. The GNWT will reimburse reasonable, cost-effective expenses so that no school hesitates to act out of concern for budget impacts.

The GNWT remains committed to ensuring safe drinking water in all schools and will continue monitoring systems, conducting regular testing, and sharing updates as the territory-wide testing program progresses.