A Monday message from the GNWT said water testing at more schools, this time in Acho Dene Koe and Sachs Harbour, “confirmed” lead levels above Canadian drinking water guidelines.
Testing at the Echo Dene School in Acho Dene Koe and Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour showed elevated lead levels.
Officials say testing at three other schools in Ndılǫ, Nahanni Butte and Tuktoyaktuk showed lead levels considered acceptable according to the guidelines. According to the latest reports, samples from K’alemi Dene School in Ndılǫ, Charles Yohin School in Nahanni Butte, and Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk had lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
Since comprehensive testing of schools across the territory began this fall, 30 school sites out of 37 announced to date have tested positive for elevated levels of lead.
A public message from territorial officials indicated that testing confirmed water from Echo Dene School in Acho Dene Koe, and Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour showed elevated lead.
Earlier this month, testing at five school building sites in Yellowknife revealed and a school in Behchokǫ̀ showed elevated levels of lead present in water samples taken from some drinking taps. Some of the water samples at schools also showed elevated copper levels.
The territorial government reported that the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer issued a Public Health Order for the two schools on Monday.
“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,” read the message issued Monday evening.
According to Monday’s advisory, the GNWT is currently working to identify and implement remediation measures for the affected water fixtures at both schools.
The plan outlines follow-up testing will be conducted once corrective measures are complete.
Follow up testing will be used to assess whether the water meets Canada’s drinking water guidelines, read the GNWT’s message. Officials said the use of the affected fixtures can only resume once new safety systems are in place and testing confirms the water meets health standards.
Robin Ferguson, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of Infrastructure said the GNWT plans to look at testing more public buildings once school testing is completed.
While no timeline has been set, Ferguson said consideration includes hospitals and health care centres along with other public facilities which have not been tested to date.
