Minot residents will have to wait longer for the promised water from Lake Sakakawea. The Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) project, which was slated to begin delivering treated water in mid‑2024, now faces a delay that could push the start date into early 2028.
City Council hears details from Public Works Director
At a special Minot City Council meeting, Public Works Director Jason Sorenson explained that the setback stems from a critical piece of equipment beneath the filters at the Biota Water Treatment Plant. The component, known as an underdrain, was first identified as defective in the fall of 2023.
“The contractor removed the underdrains, replaced them, and then they promptly failed again the first time they tested them in June of this year,” Sorenson told council members. “Since June, they’ve been trying to repair those.”
New supplier selected, schedule adjusted
After the repeated failures, the contractor has secured a new supplier for the underdrains. Sorenson indicated that the latest timeline he has seen places the remaining plant work between August of next year and January 2028. He added that some phases could be accelerated, but a firm delivery date for lake water to Minot remains pending.
Impact on the community
The delay affects households and businesses that have been anticipating a reliable, high‑quality water source from Lake Sakakawea. While the city continues to rely on its existing water system, officials stress that the NAWS project remains a top priority for ensuring long‑term water security in the region.
Next steps
Minot city leaders will monitor the contractor’s progress and hold the supplier accountable for meeting the revised schedule. The council plans to reconvene later this year to receive an updated status report and to discuss any additional measures needed to keep the project on track.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through city communications and to attend future council meetings where water‑related updates will be provided.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
