Water at five NWT schools now deemed safe to drink

Water at five NWT schools now deemed safe to drink Emily Blake Tuesday September 22, 2026 at 5:30pm MT Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells. Emily Blake/Cabin Radio Share The NWT government says the water at five schools where some fixtures were previously found to have elevated lead levels is now safe to drink. In a Tuesday press release, the territorial government said chief public health officer Dr Kami Kandola had lifted health orders for: Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Elementary School, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School and student residences in Fort Simpson; Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells; Echo Dene School in Fort Liard; and Mezi School in Whatì. The news release states work to remediate fountains and sinks at those locations has been completed. It said procedures are being developed, including filter replacement and routine testing, to ensure the water remains safe over time. Across the territory, the NWT government said it is continuing work to address lead issues with some schools’ drinking water as supplies are delivered. The high lead levels have been attributed to some plumbing fixtures rather than communities’ water supplies. Advertisement. Advertisement. Related Articles Lead issues found at Aklavik, Tsiigehtchic, Fort Simpson schools February 25, 2026 Testing clears Łútsël K’é drinking water as safe, GNWT says May 19, 2026 Three more NWT schools told to stop using water over lead levels May 8, 2026 Top Stories ‘We’ve had enough.’ Inuvik mayor ahead of town hall meeting September 22, 2026 GNWT, Yellowknife will not bid to host 2035 Canada Winter Games September 22, 2026 Bank of Canada governor visiting Yellowknife this week September 22, 2026 ‘It’s all jetpack, baby.’ Yellowknifer takes to the skies September 22, 2026 NWT RCMP want highway cameras, electronic monitoring for offenders September 22, 2026 This article written by: Emily Blake Emily is Cabin Radio's senior reporter.