Testing for lead in drinking water has been underway in N.W.T. schools for a few months now and as the results roll in, a handful of schools have shown lead levels 20 times the national standard, in some samples. 

Early results from four of 33 schools and other educational facilities in the N.W.T. showed some water fixtures had lead levels above 100 micrograms per litre (µg/L). Health Canada’s maximum acceptable concentration is 5 µg/L. 

In October, the territory launched a new lead testing protocol for drinking water at schools. That was prompted by earlier testing in 2025 that found elevated lead levels in water at three Yellowknife schools. The government has said plans to have all schools tested before the start of the 2026-2027 school year are on track.

Territorial officials test water under different conditions to compare results. That includes testing water that’s been sitting stagnant overnight and water that’s been moving and sitting still which is meant to mimic typical water use during the day. 

According to the testing protocol, the office of the chief public health officer focuses on the water samples that mimic daytime use when assessing risks associated with lead exposure. Four schools showed samples with lead levels above 100 µg/L under those conditions.

One of the food room sinks at Princess Alexandra School in Hay River had test results of 141 µg/L. A canteen at Joseph Burr Tyrrell Elementary School in Fort Smith showed lead levels of 104 µg/L, and École St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife also had results above 100 µg/L.

In Fort Simpson, the Líídlįį Kúę Regional High School had a classroom water source show results of 121 µg/L. 

According to Health Canada, there is no known safe threshold for lead exposure. For children, risks include developmental problems, along with brain-related and nerve-related diseases.

Health Canada also says that lead in drinking water is usually associated with older plumbing system components.

Sean Whelly, a resident and grandparent in Fort Simpson and also the former mayor, said the testing program sparked immediate worry because of the age of some school buildings.

“I don’t like to be right in situations like this, but it just looked statistically highly probable that Fort Simpson was going to be having a high test level based on our age,” said Whelly.

He said he had voiced his concerns in the past and even suggested using bottled water at the local school. He says not everyone shared his concerns and some called it “fear-mongering.”

“But sometimes a small, minimalist safety precaution can be better than just waiting for the result. Which, as it turned out to be, was positive for lead.”

Emma Pillsworth, the territory’s deputy chief public health officer, said that so far none of the voluntary blood tests related to the school lead testing have shown unsafe exposure levels. Pillsworth said they have received 51 tests for blood lead levels.

For school drinking water, Pillsworth says health officials don’t want lead to reach a certain level before acting. Any amount of lead over the national limit triggers a public health order that restricts water use until it is safe, she said.

“It’s the dose that determines how much of an effect something might have in terms of health. At this point, I don’t have a reason to expect that there is a significant increased health risk,” said Pillsworth.

Health problems from lead typically come from long-term exposure rather than a single source, she said. 

However, Pillsworth encouraged anyone with concerns to speak with their doctor.

School staff can reach out to the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission for additional guidance and support, she added.