Drinking Water Quality

Test your drinking water for lead

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Overview

Older plumbing can release lead into drinking water. This page provides information on how to choose the right sampling method, test your water for lead, and find an accredited lab.

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Health Canada’s guideline

Maximum Acceptable Concentration: 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L)

If your results are above this level, do not drink or use the water to prepare food or baby formula from affected taps. Use bottled water or a certified filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with a claim of lead reduction).

For more information visit Finding a Drinking Water Filter certified to reduce lead (Health Canada).

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Check if your building may have lead

  • Buildings built or renovated before 2014 may have brass fixtures that contain lead.
  • Buildings built or renovated before 1990 may have solder that contains lead.
  • If you are unsure about plumbing materials, testing is recommended.
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Reduce exposure while waiting for results

  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking.
  • Run water for at least 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
  • Do not use hot tap water for drinking or cooking.
  • Every month, inspect the aerators or screens at the tap. If you find debris, clean it out - this will remove any particles that may contain lead, and inspect more frequently. For more information visit cleaning faucet aerators (Health Canada).
  • Use a certified filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with a claim of lead reduction).
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Understand testing methods

Random Daytime Sampling

Estimates typical lead exposure during normal water use. Recommended as the first step for most homes and buildings.

Advanced Sampling Method

Overnight Stagnation Sampling (First Draw)

Measures worst-case exposure after water sits overnight. Recommended only if initial testing shows lead above the guideline.

30 Minute Stagnation Sampling (Post-Flush)

Helps identify if lead is coming from fixtures or pipes. Recommended with overnight sampling for detailed investigation.

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How to test your water

Single-family homes and home daycares

Steps to test your water:

  1. Plan for testing
    • Make a list of taps used for drinking and cooking.
    • Assign each tap a unique identifier.
  2. Contact the lab and get sample bottles
    • Ask if preservatives are needed.
    • Request the correct number of bottles.
    • Confirm if you need a chain-of-custody form.
  3. Label your bottles
    • Use your unique identifiers.
    • Do not open or tamper with bottles before sampling.
    • Keep bottles away from any heat or anything that can damage the bottles. 
  4. Collect your samples
    • Gather supplies: labelled sample bottles, permanent marker, notebook, cooler, ice packs, chain-of-custody form.
      • Sample during the day (not first thing in the morning) from Monday to Thursday.
      • Use cold water taps only . For single-handed faucets, use the cold water setting only.
      • Do not remove aerators or screens.
      • Wash your hands before sampling.
      • Avoid touching the inside of the lid or bottle mouth.
      • Fill bottles completely and cap tightly.
      • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
    • Store samples in a cooler with frozen ice pack(s) or fridge. Do not freeze the samples.

Note: Each lab may have slightly different sampling instructions. Follow lab instructions for collecting samples.

  1. Submit samples to the lab
    • Drop off or ship the same day.
    • If you do not have an accredited lab in your community:
      • Keep samples cold in a cooler with ice packs. Do not freeze.
      • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
      • Ship samples following the lab’s instructions.
      • Samples should arrive within 24–28 hours to remain valid.
    • Include the chain-of-custody form.
  2. Review your results
    • Health Canada guideline: 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L).
    • It may take a week or more for the lab to finalize and send your results.
    • Check the units carefully (mg vs µg) when reviewing your report.
  3. Decide if you need more testing
    • If above guideline, consider Overnight and 30-Minute Stagnation Sampling.
  4. Remediate if needed
    • Use certified filters, bottled water, replace fixtures or plumbing.
  5. Re-test after remediation
    • Repeat testing after changes; annual testing may be recommended.

For additional details, see the full handout for Single-family homes and home daycares (PDF, 359 KB)

Multi-unit buildings

Steps to test your water:

  1. Plan for testing
    • Coordinate with condo management or building owner to organize testing across all units at the same time.
    • Make a list of taps used for drinking or cooking in all units. Track all units in a shared sheet.
    • Assign each tap a unique identifier.
    • Gather supplies: permanent marker and notebook for note-taking.
  2. Contact the lab and get sample bottles
    • Ask if preservatives are needed.
    • Request the correct number of bottles.
    • Confirm if you need a chain-of-custody form.
  3. Label your bottles
    • Use your unique identifiers for each unit and tap.
    • Do not open or tamper with bottles before sampling.
    • Keep bottles away from any heat or anything that can damage the bottles. 
  4. Collect your samples
    • Sample during the day (not first thing in the morning) from Monday to Thursday.
    • Use cold water from the tap or faucet you normally use for drinking or cooking. Do not test hot water.
    • Do not remove aerators or screens.
    • Wash your hands before sampling.
    • Rinse bottles three times before filling.
    • Avoid touching the inside of the lid or bottle mouth.
    • Fill bottles completely and cap tightly.
    • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
    • Store samples in a cooler or fridge. Do not freeze.

Note: Each lab may have slightly different sampling instructions. Follow lab instructions for collecting samples.

  1. Submit samples to the lab
    • Drop off or ship the same day.
    • If you do not have an accredited lab in your community:
      • Keep samples cold in a cooler with ice packs. Do not freeze.
      • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
      • Ship samples following the lab’s instructions.
      • Samples should arrive within 24–28 hours to remain valid.
    • Include the chain-of-custody form.
  2. Review your results
    • Health Canada guideline: 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L).
    • It may take a week or more for the lab to finalize and send your results.
    • Check the units carefully (mg vs µg) when reviewing your report.
  3. Decide if you need more testing
    • If above guideline, consider Overnight and 30-Minute Stagnation Sampling.
  4. Remediate if needed
    • Use certified filters, bottled water, replace fixtures or plumbing.
    • Coordinate remediation across all units.
  5. Re-test after remediation
    • Repeat testing after changes; annual testing may be recommended.

For additional details, see the full handout for Multi-unit buildings (PDF, 369 KB)

Public buildings and businesses

Steps to test your water:

  1. Plan for testing
    • Include all drinking water fountains and taps.
    • Use architectural drawings to track fixtures.
    • Assign each tap a unique identifier.
    • Gather supplies: permanent marker and notebook for note-taking.
  2. Contact the lab and get sample bottles
    • Ask if preservatives are needed.
    • Request the correct number of bottles for all fixtures.
    • Confirm if you need a chain-of-custody form.
  3. Label your bottles
    • Use your unique identifiers for each fixture.
    • Do not open the bottles or tamper with them before sampling.
    • Keep bottles away from any heat or anything that can damage the bottles. 
  4. Collect your samples
    • Sample during the day (not first thing in the morning) from Monday to Thursday.
    • Use cold water from the tap or faucet you normally use for drinking or cooking. Do not test hot water.
    • Do not remove aerators or screens.
    • Wash your hands before sampling.
    • Rinse bottles three times before filling.
    • Avoid touching the inside of the lid or bottle mouth.
    • Fill bottles completely and cap tightly.
    • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
    • Store samples in a cooler or fridge. Do not freeze.

Note: Each lab may have slightly different sampling instructions. Follow lab instructions for collecting samples.

  1. Submit samples to the lab
    • Drop off or ship the same day.
    • If you do not have an accredited lab in your community:
      • Keep samples cold in a cooler with ice packs. Do not freeze.
      • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
      • Ship samples following the lab’s instructions.
      • Samples should arrive within 24–28 hours to remain valid.
    • Include the chain-of-custody form.
  2. Review your results
    • Health Canada guideline: 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L).
    • It may take a week or more for the lab to finalize and send your results.
    • Check the units carefully (mg vs µg) when reviewing your report.
  3. Decide if you need more testing
    • If above guideline, consider Overnight and 30-Minute Stagnation Sampling.
  4. Remediate if needed
    • Use certified filters, bottled water, replace fixtures or plumbing.
    • Coordinate remediation across all areas.
  5. Re-test after remediation
    • Repeat testing after changes; annual testing may be recommended.

For additional details, see the full handout for Public buildings and businesses (PDF, 369 KB)

Advanced sampling methods

When to use:

Only if Random Daytime Sampling shows lead above 0.005 mg/L.

Use these steps to identify where lead is coming from in your plumbing system.

Steps

  • Plan for testing
    • Post signage to prevent water use during stagnation.
    • Gather supplies: permanent marker, notebook, sample bottles, cooler, chain-of-custody form.
    • Use the same tap identifiers from your first sampling.
  • Collect Overnight Stagnation sample
    • Let water sit for at least 8 hours (overnight).
    • Do not use any water during this time.
    • Take the first sample immediately when the tap is turned on.
    • Do not rinse bottles or remove aerators.
    • Use cold water from the tap or faucet you normally use for drinking or cooking. Do not test hot water.
    • Fill bottles completely and cap tightly.
    • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
    • Store samples in a cooler or fridge. Do not freeze.

Note: Each lab may have slightly different sampling instructions. Follow lab instructions for collecting samples.

  • Flush system
    • Run all taps for 5 minutes.
    • Flush toilets to clear pipes.
  • Wait 30 minutes
    • Do not use water during this time.
  • Collect second sample
    • Follow same steps as first sample.
  • Submit samples to the lab
    • Ship or drop off same day.
    • If you do not have an accredited lab in your community:
      • Keep samples cold in a cooler with ice packs. Do not freeze.
      • Add preservatives if provided by the lab.
      • Ship samples following the lab’s instructions.
      • Samples should arrive within 24–28 hours to remain valid.
    • Include the chain-of-custody form.
  • Interpret results

For additional details, see the full handout for Advanced sampling methods (PDF, 319 KB)

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Find an accredited lab

Do not use home test kits. They are often inaccurate and give false results, which may put your health at risk. Use an accredited laboratory instead. Accredited labs follow national standards to ensure reliable results. Contact the lab for cost estimates, sample bottles, submission forms, and instructions.

Taiga Environmental: 867-767-9235 | taiga@gov.nt.ca | www.taigalab.com

ALS Environmental: 867-873-5593 | www.alsglobal.com 

Bureau Veritas: 867-873-2112 | www.bvna.com

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Understand costs and responsibilities

The Government of the Northwest Territories does not cover expenses for lead testing or remediation.

Costs vary by location, building size, and number of fixtures.

If lead is found, any costs for replacing fixtures or plumbing are the responsibility of the building owner.

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What happens next

If your result shows lead above the guideline:

  • Do not drink water from affected taps.
  • Use bottled water or a certified (NSF 53) filter.
  • Consider replacing fixtures or plumbing.
  • Re-test after remediation.
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If you still need help

Email: Environmental_Health@gov.nt.ca
Phone: 867-767-9066 ext 49262
Online Form

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