Monday
March 26, 2007
Governor
Hoeven Issues Water Shortage Declaration For Three Affiliated Tribes
Source: North Dakota Governor John Hoeven
“We have been working to provide assistance to the community throughout the past weekend,” Hoeven said. “We will continue to support tribal efforts to address the shortage until potential health risks to residents have been resolved.”
Fort Berthold Rural Water reported problems with low pressure and turbidity due to spring runoff and thawing of Lake Sakakawea. The area affected is located in the Four Bears District, west of New Town, impacting approximately 600 people.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) is coordinating response to requests for assistance to obtain emergency water supplies. The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) conferred with tribal officials on Friday to offer additional resources to protect affected residents from potential health risks and to ensure arrangements were made for continued treatment of dialysis patients. The department will assist as needed with water testing to determine when the treated water is safe to drink.
This weekend, Governor John Hoeven requested Major General David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota Adjutant General, to activate the National Guard's 957th Engineer Unit to provide four water tanks, also known as water buffalos, providing residents with an emergency source of treated water. Tribal officials have been delivering water to rural residents who have been informed to boil all water for drinking or cooking, an order which is expected to continue even for a time after the water is restored.
The Fort Berthold Rural water treatment plant is currently pumping water back into the system and refilling reservoirs. The current boil order is expected to be in effect through Thursday, or until testing indicates the water is safe to drink.