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1. Why doesn't Pierre just tie into Mid-Dakota's water system?

Mid-Dakota's water system does not produce enough water to meet the needs of the Pierre.  Expanding Mid-Dakota's production capacity would cost more than the proposed Water Treatment Plant.

2. Is it still possible to get treated water from Mid-Dakota that already has a treatment plant north of town?

Mid-Dakota's water system does not produce enough water to meet the needs of the Pierre.  Expanding Mid-Dakota's production capacity would cost more than the proposed Water Treatment Plant.

3. How long before our current process of treating drinking water is ineffective?

Pierre's current system provides water that meets all current federal and state drinking water safety standards.  

The federal Environment Protection Agency is currently reviewing its regulations. Changes to their regulations may impact Pierre's treatment process, but no regulatory changes have been identified at this time.

4. If voters approve the development of a Water Treatment Plant, how long would it take for treated water to flow?

Treated water can flow in approximately 2 to 3 years, including approximately 1 year for design, and between 1 and 2 years for construction.  

5. What chemicals are added to the current drinking water? (Fluoride, chlorine ect….)

Chlorine is added to the water for disinfection.  Fluoride is added to help reduce tooth decay.
A phosphate chemical is added to inhibit water discoloration and inhibit corrosion.

6. I’ve heard that manganese is a potential health concern. What is our current concentrations vs treated concentrations of manganese?

The current average concentrations of manganese in Pierre’s current water supply is 2.5 milligrams/liter.  The treated water with the proposed treatment plant would have concentrations of manganese less than 0.05 milligrams/liter.  

7. How much park land would be taken up by the proposed Water Treatment Plant.

The recommended Treatment Plant location is in the north end of Steamboat Park, just south of the approach to the Missouri River Bridge.  An estimated 1 acre will be needed.

8. Could the City use its existing deep wells along the river to irrigate our parks with untreated water?

The City can use the existing wells for park irrigation.  However, the water will still contain high levels of manganese which will stain sidewalks and other buildings near the site of irrigation.