Husky oil spill: Sask. government doing its own testing of Husky water results

Premier Brad Wall says testing is already underway to make sure a report done by Husky Energy on samples from the North Saskatchewan River is accurate.

On Wednesday morning, the premier visited North Battleford, Sask., shortly after Husky released a report saying river samples are coming back within water guidelines.

"It's testing that has been done that we want to verify with our own testing independently," Wall told reporters.

• Report says recent water tests after Husky oil spill coming back within guidelines

The premier said more work and more testing will be done following the oil spill nearly two weeks ago, as he highlighted that the oil and water could have settled in the river.

When he was asked about pipeline safety, Wall once again said it wasn't the right time to address it.

"It's a valid question and we'll talk when the response is complete."

Work continues in North Battleford

Wall met with city officials Wednesday morning, who had approved a plan the day before to provide a sustainable supply of drinking water.

The city had to shut down one of its water treatment plant intakes after the Husky Energy pipeline spill about two weeks ago.

A water pipeline linking North Battleford to the water system of its sister community – Battleford – was completed Tuesday.

The city also approved drilling four new wells, which Mayor Ian Hamilton said should be up and running within 30 days.

• Husky oil spill: North Battleford finds new sources of drinking water

• Battleford to the rescue with clean water for North Battleford

"We have an example here of some great local response in North Battleford," Wall said.

The premier said the province is still offering a helping hand to the cities of North Battleford and Prince Albert.

"We all want to get to the point where the City of North Battleford and the City of P.A. can use their filtration systems, can use intakes off of the river, and we will get there."

The premier was invited Tuesday to be part of an event called "Is moving oil by pipelines safe? 2016" in North Battleford Thursday. His office said his schedule didn't allow him to attend.

Wall will now be meeting with officials in Prince Albert Wednesday afternoon. He will tour the emergency operations centre and be part of that city's media update at 3 p.m. CST.