Drinking water safety update for Moose Kerr School in Aklavik, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School in Fort Simpson, the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Student Residences in Fort Simpson, and Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic

Press Release

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Moose Kerr School (MKS) in Aklavik, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School (LKRHS) in Fort Simpson, the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Student Residences (LKSR) in Fort Simpson and Chief Paul Niditchie School (CPNS) in Tsiigehtchic.

MKS, PNS, LKRHS and the LKSR testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC). As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for these facilities.

Effective immediately, affected water fixtures and water fountains at the schools and residences will be out of service or a flushing protocol will be implemented. 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 the webpage as it is confirmed.
Once all corrective measures are completed, follow-up testing will be carried out and reported to the OCPHO 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 at Moose Kerr School, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School, the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Student Residences, and Chief Paul Niditchie School is part of the GNWT’s commitment to test drinking water in every school in the territory this school year. 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 any 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.