Urgent: N.W.T. Schools Get Immediate Support After Lead Found

BREAKING: The N.W.T. government has just announced immediate support for schools facing lead contamination in drinking water, following the latest detection at Mildred Hall School in Yellowknife. This urgent action comes as authorities work to ensure the safety of students and staff across the territory.

The news broke earlier today, revealing that lead has been found in drinking water systems at four schools, including Range Lake North School, N.J. Macpherson, and École William McDonald in Yellowknife, as well as Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah. Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland emphasized that the government will finance alternative drinking water supplies for affected schools, even those not yet tested.

“We cannot wait for the full testing schedule to finish before taking further protective steps. The health and safety of students and staff must come first,” Cleveland stated in a news release this morning. Eight drinking water fixtures and one water fountain at Mildred Hall are currently out of service, prompting immediate remedial measures.

The N.W.T. government is working collaboratively with the departments of Infrastructure and Education, Culture, and Employment to implement necessary safety measures. Water services at Mildred Hall will only be restored once testing confirms the water meets health standards.

In related developments, students and staff at Range Lake North School and École William McDonald can now safely consume water again. This follows the replacement of water fixtures and the installation of filters after previous elevated lead levels. However, N.J. Macpherson and Kaw Tay Whee School remain under a strict do-not-consume order.

Cleveland reiterated the importance of early testing, stating, “When we launched the territory-wide testing protocol this fall, we knew that starting with higher-risk schools meant we could see additional findings early in the process.” The government has committed to sharing ongoing test results, public health orders, and remediation actions as they progress.

As testing continues, parents and guardians are urged to stay informed about the safety measures being taken and the results of ongoing assessments. This urgent situation highlights the critical need for safe drinking water in schools, affecting thousands of students in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates as the N.W.T. government responds to this developing crisis. The health and safety of students and staff remain the top priority as authorities work tirelessly to resolve these issues.