Mandaree, N.D. – The Fort Berthold Rural Water District announced Sunday that a software problem in the filtration system at its water‑treatment plant is prompting a temporary water‑conservation request for all customers in the West Segment of the Mandaree service area.
What the district is asking residents to do
Customers are asked to:
- Restrict outdoor water use, such as lawn watering, car washing and filling pools.
- Minimize indoor consumption by taking shorter showers and running dishwashers or washing machines only with full loads.
- Inspect homes for leaks and repair any dripping faucets or running toilets promptly.
The district emphasized that the notice is purely a conservation measure. There is no boil‑water advisory, and the water currently flowing through homes remains safe to drink, cook with and bathe in.
Why the notice was issued
Fort Berthold Rural Water officials said the plant’s filtration system relies on specialized software to monitor and adjust water quality. A recent glitch caused the system to operate outside its normal parameters, prompting the district to act quickly to reduce demand while technicians work on a fix.
“Our priority is to ensure a reliable supply of clean water for all our customers,” said Joseph Silveria, the district’s public‑information officer. “By conserving water now, we give our engineers the breathing room they need to resolve the software issue without compromising service.”
How to stay informed
Residents can follow updates on the Fort Berthold Rural Water District’s Facebook page, where the agency will post progress reports and any changes to the conservation request. For urgent questions, the district has provided a direct phone line to Mr. Silveria at (701) 421‑2502.
The district expects the software problem to be resolved within a few days, after which normal water usage will resume. In the meantime, officials thank the community for its cooperation and remind everyone that responsible water use is a shared stewardship responsibility.
Background on the water system
The Fort Berthold Rural Water District serves a broad area of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, including the Mandaree community. The system draws water from the Missouri River, treats it at a central plant, and distributes it through a network of pipelines to homes, schools and businesses. The district routinely performs maintenance and upgrades to keep the system operating safely and efficiently.
While software issues are uncommon, the district’s rapid response reflects its commitment to transparency and to protecting the health and well‑being of its customers. Residents are encouraged to continue practicing water‑saving habits even after the notice is lifted, as long‑term conservation helps preserve this vital resource for future generations.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
