Lake gives drinking water a bad taste

DICKINSON, N.D. — A foul odor and taste in the local water supply had Dickinson residents voicing their concern to City Hall on Monday.

An official at the Southwest Water Authority, however, said the city’s water is safe for consumption and that the issue is temporary.

“This is an issue we typically deal with twice a year in the spring and again in the fall,” said SWA administrative assistant Pam Courton. “Lake Sakakawea actually turns over when the temperatures change, stirring up algae and vegetation within the lake.”

Lake Sakakawea, supplies water to the Southwest Pipeline, which is operated by the SWA. The water from the lake is treated and stored before it makes its way to Dickinson residents.

“We understand why residents are concerned,” Courton said. “But the water people are drinking and bathing in is completely safe.”

Dickinson City Administrator Shawn Kessel said the city had received a number of complaints from residents about the odor.

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