Northern Health wants to find out what’s causing muddy and discoloured water at three of if Prince Rupert facilities.
The health authority has issued a request for proposals to hire a consultant that will investigate the water systems at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, Acropolis Manor, and Summit Residences.
Northern Health Regional Manager of Public Affairs and Media Relations Andrea Palmer says while the water has high turbidity, test results, including lead testing, indicate it is safe.
The RFP document describes water from various floors and different taps at the hospital as “discoloured, muddy or slimy”, but notes that water at the facility is not recirculated and does become stagnant in lines that get little use.
Palmer notes that while some photos of the water in the RFP document show quite a lot of sediment, they are first draws from the tap.
She adds that the consultant’s job will be to get to the root of what’s causing or contributing to the sediment and recommendations for remediation.
The bid window for the contract closes April 5 and Palmer says she expects work to commence shortly after the contractor is selected.