“Water is Safe”: Watford City official offers assurance amid taste and odor concerns
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
“What’s up with the water?” Is a question that may have been uttered under a few wrinkled noses in some Watford City households, as of lately. However, a local official is putting those concerns to rest. “The water in Watford City is safe to drink,” Jason Faller, Public Works Assistant Superintendent for the City of Watford City, emphasized in a recent interview, addressing concerns stemming from changes in water quality.
A statement was recently released to residents indicating that increased organics in the Missouri River, due to flood levels, have affected the water treatment process. Faller offered an elaboration on the statement, explaining that flooding can lead to increased natural organic matter (NOM) in water as floodwaters wash organic material from the land into waterways, causing a rise in dissolved carbon. “This slows down treatment, increases disinfection products while treatment is done, and can affect color, odor, and taste of the water,” Faller stated.
Residents have voiced concerns about the taste, odor, and color of the water, as well as its safety. Faller assured residents that the water remains safe, despite these changes. “The water is safe to drink,” he affirmed. “All drinking water has to meet standards. Those standards are checked by third party testing and turned into the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in Bismarck.”
Watford City has been receiving its water from the Williston Water Treatment Plant since 2013. To ensure ongoing quality, Watford City itself plays a vital role in monitoring the water within its distribution system. “We currently have seven locations in the Watford City distribution system that we test each month,” Faller said, reiterating the third-party testing that is done in Bismarck. “We also flush hydrants throughout the year to help maintain water quality.”
Faller clarified that while the city is addressing the concerns, the water delivery system relies on multiple agencies. Faller explained that more detailed information about the specific chemical treatments and potential changes to chlorine levels is available directly from the Williston Water Treatment Plant. Regarding a water break that occurred on March 4th, Faller directed inquiries to the Western Area Water Supply Authority (WAWSA), as it involved their line.
Faller reiterated the city’s commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for its residents. “Water in Watford City is safe to drink,” he stressed. “All water treatment plants are required to follow regulations outlined in the Clean Water Act (CWA) and use chemicals that meet the NSF/ANSI standard 61 to treat their water. Monthly testing we perform helps us monitor those levels and make sure we are within those mandated guidelines.” He also expressed optimism that the water quality would soon return to normal. “Residents should see their water quality returning to what they are accustomed to in the near future if they haven’t already,” Faller concluded.
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