“Alternate potable water” still being used at Sask. Hospital nine months after boil water advisory

The Sask. Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) facility continues to have its issues.

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Central Services confirmed to 650 CKOM Thursday that the facility continues to have to use “alternate potable water.” On Oct. 23, 2019, immediate steps were taken to provide potable water at the facility due to “signs of irregularities and inconsistency that indicate levels of copper or lead may be higher than desirable,” according to the Ministry.

“A preliminary investigation conducted by a group of experts (including an engineer, metallurgist and chemist) has identified the water softening process as the probable cause of the irregular water results,” an emailed statement from the Ministry reads.

As a result, metal fittings were changed out in April 2020, with the water softener system being bypassed and flushing of the water system is now occurring, according to the email.

The Ministry did explain what needs to be done moving forward to return to “normal water use” at the facility.

“We are looking for consistent test results over time that indicate water in all areas is within acceptable water quality standards,” the Ministry explained.

“It is anticipated that regular water use and consumption practices can be returned to normal within the next several weeks. Monitoring will continue to ensure that the steps taken to-date have resolved the issue.”

When the original issues arose back in October 2019, the issue added to existing problems regarding the facility’s leaky roof.

(SHNB) originally opened in March 2019.

The Ministry said while there is no boil water advisory for the hospital now, bringing in the potable water for “drinking consumption and kitchen use” is still occurring. They added, the water situation poses “no immediate health risk,” and the alternate water sources being brought in is out of “an abundance of caution.”

(SHNB) houses patients and offenders living with mental health issues.

Phyllis O’Connor, the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Saskatchewan Division said these findings are a concern for those living in the facility, along with those taking care of those in the facility.

“Clean water is just a basic human need. And when you don’t have access to a safe, clean water supply then you can obviously develop the physical illnesses and problems. And we all know that mental health and physical health are very closely tied together,” she told 650 CKOM Thursday.

She says it is concerning, especially for those who have illnesses, such as acute anxiety.

“Not even knowing that their source of water is safe to drink can only make the situation worse and increase their anxiety,” she explained.

“People that are up there are already experiencing mental illness problems. Really, this is just one more thing that can add to that burden of mental illness.”