Ulukhaktok school drinking water tests positive for elevated lead; alternate supply arranged
The Government of the Northwest Territories issued a public health order for Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok, N.W.T., after testing found elevated lead levels at some drinking water fixtures.
In a news release Friday, the Department of Infrastructure reported that the lead levels exceeded the maximum acceptable concentrations under the guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality. As a result, the office of the chief public health officer ordered the affected fixtures taken out of service.
The water sources have been shut down and alternate drinking water is available at the school. Once the required plumbing is replaced the water will be retested for approval.
The testing at Helen Kalvak School is part of a territory-wide school water testing program that prioritizes older schools with larger student bodies.
The territory intends to test drinking water at every school in the N.W.T. So far the territory reports that 15 schools have been tested, although the results for several are pending.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canadian government stepping in to assist water emergency in Kugaaruk, Nunavut, CBC News
