City of Bismarck Water Company

The City of Bismarck maintains a comprehensive monitoring program for its untreated water supply. As part of Round 2 of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, the city regularly tests for microbiological contaminants.

In 2017, nine samples were collected from the horizontal collector well and tested for Cryptosporidium, with no detections found. Cryptosporidium is a microbial parasite commonly present in surface water across the United States. While filtration systems remove Cryptosporidium, even advanced filtration methods cannot guarantee 100% removal.

The same nine samples were also analyzed for Giardia and E. coli, with no detections of either contaminant. Giardia is another common parasite found in surface water, while E. coli serves as an indicator of potential contamination from warm-blooded animals. The city's filtration and chlorination processes effectively remove and neutralize these potential threats.

We encourage public participation in decisions affecting our water supply. City Commission meetings occur on the second and fourth Tuesday monthly at the Mary Baker Meeting Room (City/County Building, 221 North 5th Street). These sessions are open to the public and broadcast on Dakota Media Access, Channel 2.

Additional information about the Bismarck Water Treatment Facility is available at www.bismarcknd.gov. Nationwide water quality data can be accessed at www.waterdata.com.

We request large water customers help distribute this report in visible locations or share with tenants, residents, patients, students, or employees to inform everyone who uses our water but may not receive water bills.

Extra copies of this report are available at the Water Plant, Public Works Department (601 S 26th Street), or Bismarck Public Library (515 N 5th Street). For questions about this report, translation services, or more information, please contact:

• Jim Kershaw, Water Plant Superintendent: (701) 355-1662
• Michelle Klose, Director of Utility Operations: (701) 355-1704
• Billing inquiries: (701) 355-1700 Opt. 1

1. Where does City of Bismarck water come from?
   City of Bismarck supplies surface water to Bismarck, North Dakota.
2. Does City of Bismarck test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Bismarck must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Bismarck?
   Call 701-355-1700 or visit 601 South 26th Street, Bismarck, ND 58504, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Bismarck water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Bismarck water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.