Drinking water at Range Lake North safe to consume, say GNWT

Lead levels in drinking water at Range Lake North School no longer exceed Health Canada guidelines, according to the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

The school was one of three in Yellowknife — along with École William McDonald Middle School and N.J. Macpherson School — where elevated lead levels were detected in May and August.

“All fountains and fixtures used for drinking water and food preparation have been replaced, and follow-up testing has confirmed overall water quality,” the GNWT said in a Tuesday news release.

Standard operating procedures are being developed for ongoing maintenance, including filter replacements and routine re-testing.

Meanwhile, follow-up results at École William McDonald still show some fixtures above Health Canada’s guideline of 5 micrograms per litre.

“Most fixtures are now within safe levels, but some still require further investigation,” the GNWT stated. A health order remains in place.

At N.J. Macpherson, a health order also remains, requiring the school to flush the system daily and provide alternative drinking water until mitigation measures are complete. Fixture replacements are expected to arrive later this month.

Officials added that a territory-wide school water testing program is being finalized. All 49 schools in the NWT will be tested, prioritized by facility age, student population, and existing water quality data.