Some recent water testing at the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford has shown what’s being called irregularities in lead and copper levels in the water.
It is believed the source of the problem is coming from the hospital, as there is no issue with the North Battleford water supply. The hospital has been supplied with potable water for consumption and kitchen use.
Central services deputy minister Mike Carr said there’s some uncertainty on when further test results will be coming back.
“We’re probably going to get some clarification throughout the balance of next week,” Carr said. “We expect that once we’ve got that clarification, we’ll know what remedial steps need to be taken if any.
“Until we get a little deeper into our investigation, that’s a question that’s going to be difficult to answer.”
This comes months after a leaking roof was reported at the brand new hospital, which opened in March of 2019.
Carr said while this is another issue with the P-3 building, it also goes to show why they traditionally work.
“This experience demonstrates the value of the P-3 model because it does demonstrate who has the liability for correcting deficiencies that have been identified,” Carr said. “I would argue that the province has in fact been the beneficiary of identifying these concerns with the building, and having the builder fully own that requirement.”
Carr said discolouration in the water was found on October 17.
“SNC Lavalin, in its operations, had noted a discolouration in the water, and as a result of that discolouration in unoccupied areas of the facility, had taken steps to try and identify the source of that discolouration.”
The NDP Opposition is calling for a full facility audit after water testing at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford showed higher than normal levels of copper and lead.
Health critic Vicki Mowat criticizes the government for not doing an audit on the new $400-million facility when it recently discovered it needs a new roof.
