Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Cleaner water on tap in the coming days

Last week, Wade Senger of Interstate Engineering and the City of New Rockford provided an update regarding the ongoing water treatment plant project.

According to a statement from the City of New Rockford, the long-awaited reverse osmosis system will be operating by the middle of this week.

"This means the city will begin flushing the bypass water out of the distribution system," wrote the city in a statement to the Transcript. "When referring to bypass water, it is the water used to accommodate the renovation of the water treatment plant. The bypass water (well water) has been bypassed past some of the treatment processes within the treatment plant and has received chemical dosing to ensure it is safe to drink.

"Gradually the residents could expect to see better quality water as the city works through their annual flushing operations. This will be a process and anticipate a transition period as the bypass water works its way out of the system."

On Tuesday, May 31, Senger told the Transcript the city will undergo extensive flushing to flush all of the water that's currently in the system, "so once residents start to see the city out flushing, that's when the water quality leaving the plant is where we need it to be."

Senger added, "There is still quite a bit of water in the distribution system, so it may take some time for residents to see the effects."

In the meantime, city officials continue to assure the public that the water currently running from their faucets is safe to drink and to use, even if not aesthetically appetizing.

According to the City of New Rockford, "The bypass water that is being distributed is treated and test sampled by the local operations manager regularly. These samples are tested for organic and inorganic compounds. The test results have been in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency Published Primary Drinking Standards."

The City went on to say, "Additionally, samples are sent to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regularly. All required testing has passed the set standard. We realize the aesthetic quality of water is not pleasing but assure you that the water is safe to use and consume. As part of this extensive update to our water system, it was necessary to use bypass water. The bypass water does not have the same quality or appearance the RO (reverse osmosis) system will provide. We thank you for enduring this process with us and we look forward to providing you with RO treated water.

"Keep in mind that when hydrants are opened, or "flowed," iron deposits in the water lines are stirred up, which can cause a brown discoloration in the water. This condition is temporary and will correct itself as water is moved through the system.