P.E.I. Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz wants a royal commission to look at the state of water on P.E.I., and Premier Pat Binns says it's worth considering.

Robert Ghiz wants politics out of the process.
(Government of P.E.I.)

Ghiz made the request for a royal commission Wednesday during question period. Earlier this week a joint federal-provincial report was released, showing a high level of nitrates in Island drinking water.

"You can be assured of my full support," said Ghiz.

"And I believe you will also enjoy the full support of Islanders if you take the politics out of this serious issue and begin a full royal commission."

The provincial government announced earlier this week it's creating a task force to look at ways to decrease the amount of nitrates exposed to Island soil. The Environment and Agriculture departments will team up to look at the issue.

Even with the task force going ahead,  Binns said he'll consider Ghiz's suggestion.

Pat Binns is concerned about the cost of a royal commission.
(Government of P.E.I.)

"The idea of a Royal Commission is interesting. I'm going to think about that one a little bit, Mr. Speaker," he said.

"Partly what a Royal Commission would do [is it] would go out and determine whether there's a problem or not. Well, we already know there's a problem. That is well established."

After question period, Binns told CBC News the downside of a Royal Commission is the huge expense, and the time it would take before recommendations are made. Based on that, Binns says he will continue with the task force while he considers other options.