A school in Behchokǫ̀ is the latest to receive test results showing elevated levels of lead in some water fixtures. The Chief Jimmy Bruneau school in Behchokǫ̀ was tested on March 10 and joins a growing list of affected schools in the N.W.T.
“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,” read the advisory issued on March 24.
So far, 28 tested school results have been announced to date, 23 have tested positive for elevated levels of lead in some of their drinking water fixtures.
This fall, the territorial government began a comprehensive testing protocol after it was revealed that two Yellowknife area schools had elevated levels of lead in drinking water.
Robin Ferguson, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of Infrastructure has said the GNWT plans to test more public buildings once school testing is completed.
The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer enacted a Public Health Order for Chief Jimmy Bruneau school.
According to the message, the territorial government is currently identifying and implementing remediation measures for the affected water fixtures, such as replacing fixtures or installing filters.
Officials said they plan to provide more detailed information on remediation measures on the school water testing webpages.
They said once corrective measures are complete, follow-up testing will be conducted to assess whether the water meets Canada’s drinking water guidelines.
“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.”
While no timeline has been set, Ferguson said the territorial government is planning to review the need for lead testing of other public facilities. Ferguson said that includes hospitals and health care centres along with other public facilities which have not been tested to date.
“The GNWT will determine the requirement for testing in other GNWT‑owned or occupied facilities, such as health centres, after high-priority school testing is complete,” said Ferguson.
“Prioritization testing efforts will continue to be based on factors such as typical age of occupants and use type, the age of the facility, and the potential exposure risk if elevated concentrations of lead are detected,” added Ferguson.
