Lead Detected in Several Northwestern Ontario Schools

A University of Toronto report highlights concerns over lead levels in schools and daycares across Ontario.

According to the University’s Investigation Journalism Bureau, over the past five years, 13% of drinking water tests exceeded Health Canada’s guidelines. This figure includes 5% of tests that surpassed Ontario’s slightly higher allowable lead levels.

Nearly half of public schools conducted at least one lead test in their drinking water within the past four years. However, the Bureau cautions that Ontario’s looser standards may create a misleading sense of safety.

Instances of lead detection in schools in northwestern Ontario date back to last year, although many others have not reported any lead findings in the past four years.