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Safety measures are being installed at Ecole William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School as the GNWT says it's taking steps to prevent lead from accumulating in drinking water.

At both schools, all fountains, faucets and fixtures used in food preparation or drinking water will be replaced before the first day of classes on Aug. 28, as it was determined the old infrastructure may have contributed to the higher-than-recommended concentration of lead in the water.

Officials will be installing an automated flushing system at Range Lake North School to prevent water from sitting stagnant in pipes when the plumbing isn't in use, and samples will be tested to ensure the system is working properly. At Ecole William McDonald, carbon filters will be installed at every sink and faucet, which are designed to remove any lingering lead that may be in the water.

"While the exact source of lead in these schools has not been confirmed, the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking precautionary steps to remove potential sources and ensure students and staff have safe drinking water," said Education, Culture and Employment communications manager Agata Gutkowska on Aug. 6. "Based on expert advice and proven best practices, these measures are expected to effectively resolve the issue and ensure the water is safe over the long-term.

"At this time, pipe replacement is not considered necessary, as the new measures are expected to resolve the issue; however, it will be considered during the next major renovation to provide an added safeguard," Gutkowska added. "Follow-up and ongoing testing will confirm water safety before and after drinking water service resumes. 

"Water will be tested regularly to confirm the carbon filtersSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™ effectiveness and overall water quality. Filters will be monitored and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and replaced as needed to ensure ongoing protection throughout the school year."

While the new systems come online and/or should there be delays, bottled and alternative water sources will be provided at both schools. Gutkowska said the schools' drinking water systems will only come back online after the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer gives approval.

The GNWT is also developing a testing approach for all the other schools in the territory. Testing will be prioritized based on each school's age, existing water quality data, the age of the school's students and results from an initial random sampling of the school's water.

On May 26, a water test showed lead concentrations of 0.009 milligrams per litre SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” nearly double the 0.005 mg/L maximum safe concentration recommended by Health Canada SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” were found at both Ecole William McDonald and Range Lake North School.

Large volumes of lead over a long time can result in reduced cognition, increased blood pressure and renal dysfunction in adults, as well as adverse neurodevelopmental and behavioural effects in children.