Drinking water safety update for Łutsel K’e Dene School
Press Release
May 19, 2026
Water testing for Łutsel K’e Dene School, Łutsel K’e is complete. Testing has confirmed that all 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 Łutsel K’e Dene School can use sinks and water fountains normally.
Water testing at Łutsel K’e Dene School 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.
Related Links
- Lead Testing in JK-12 School Drinking Water
- Drinking Water Lead Testing in NWT Schools: Procedure for the Design, Collection, Analysis and Testing of Lead in Drinking Water for Northwest Territories Schools
- WSCC Worker’s Report of Injury Form
- Monitoring and Testing of Water in the NWT
For media requests, please contact:
Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca
Backgrounder:
lutsel_ke_dene_school_-_lutsel_ke_-_drinking_water_results_interpretation_15_may_2026.pdf
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