NDP Environment and Water Critic Sandra Morin today said that reports of contaminated well water in the Maple Creek flood zone and other flooded areas of the province, coupled with the 65 emergency boil-water orders and 127 precautionary drinking advisories currently in effect, points to the need for investments in safe, clean and affordable drinking water on the part of the Wall government.  

"It's disturbing that half of the private wells in Maple Creek area failed to meet standards when tested," Morin said. "But what's even more disturbing is that we've come to accept more than 60 boil-water orders and nearly 130 drinking water advisories as normal. It's time for the Wall government to provide safe, clean and affordable drinking water to Saskatchewan families."

Morin said that it would be a mistake to force municipalities to carry a disproportionate share of the burden for improving drinking water quality, pointing to communities like Duck Lake, where residents face water bills of up to $170 a month. "Safe and clean drinking water is not a luxury; it's a basic necessity," Morin noted.  

"The deadline for free well testing expired last Friday. Premier Wall needs to extend this deadline to ensure that everyone who needs their well tested in the aftermath of the flooding is given the opportunity," Morin said.

"So far the Wall government has failed live up to its responsibilities to help Saskatchewan families hard hit by this summer's floods. We cannot afford for Saskatchewan people to become sick because of water contamination through no fault of their own, but from the inaction of the Wall government," Morin concluded.