Williston Ensures Safe Drinking Water Amid Use Of Extra Chemicals

Update 3/12/2025:

The City of Wiliston released an update to the water quality.

The Water Treatment Plant has significantly reduced their additional treatment chemicals, and is now operating at close to normal levels.
Due to the Missouri River reaching flood levels, the Water Treatment Plant dealt with an increased amount of organics, which required additional chemicals for treatment. The water met all DEQ and EPA guidelines during the treatment process.
Any residual taste and odor from the treatment will be diluted out of the distribution system in a matter of time. Running your water for short periods will assist in flushing out the system.

If you have noticed a slightly altered taste to the tap water in Williston as of late, there is an answer as to why, and it's still safe to drink according to the city.

The City of Williston released a statement Sunday on Facebook

Due to the Missouri River reaching flood levels, the Water Treatment Plant is dealing with an increased amount of organics, which require additional chemicals for treatment. The Water Treatment Plant is working diligently and continues to provide safe, clean water while meeting compliance required by the DEQ and EPA.

My water smells like chlorine; is that what the city puts in our water?

No, the city switched from chlorine to chloramine to treat the city's drinking water to ensure it safe for human consumption.

What is chloramine?

According to information on the FAQ on the website for the Williston Region Water Treatment Plant about chloramine, the EPA accepts chloramines as a disinfectant and as a way to avoid THM formations. Were it not for some kind of disinfectant in drinking water, disease-causing organisms such as typhoid and cholera could be carried in your drinking water.

Is it safe?

Chloraminated water is safe for normal everyday water usage, including bathing and drinking, and any other common use of water in our everyday lives.

Is it dangerous to anyone?

There are two groups of people who may be affected by chloraminated water: kidney dialysis patients and fish owners. Why fish owners? Chloramine is toxic to fish.