You turn on the tap. You expect water. That’s the basic social contract in North Dakota, right? But for folks living in Dickinson, the story of where that water comes from—and what’s actually in it—is way more complicated than just pipes and pumps. Honestly, if you live in the Queen City, you’ve probably heard the rumors. Maybe you’ve noticed a slight scent in the summer or wondered why your water bill looks different than your cousin’s in Bismarck.
It’s not just "well water."
The reality is that city of Dickinson water is a massive engineering feat that relies on a 90-mile lifeline stretching across the prairie. We aren't just digging a hole in the backyard and hoping for the best. We are part of one of the most ambitious rural water projects in American history.
Where the heck does it come from?
Most people assume Dickinson pulls its water from the Heart River or maybe a local aquifer. Nope. Not even close.
Basically, the city gets its primary supply from Lake Sakakawea. Think about that for a second. That water travels roughly 90 miles through the Southwest Pipeline Project (SWPP) just to reach your kitchen sink. The Southwest Water Authority (SWA) manages this beast of a system. It’s a massive network of raw water intakes, pumping stations, and high-pressure lines designed to keep the arid western part of the state from drying up.
Without this pipeline, Dickinson would be in serious trouble.
Back in the day, the city relied more heavily on local sources, but the quality was... let’s just say "challenging." The mineral content was through the roof. Today, the water is treated at the Southwest Water Treatment Plant right here in Dickinson. They use a process called lime softening. It sounds like something you’d do to a margarita, but it’s actually a sophisticated way to pull out excess hardness and minerals.
The "hard" truth about minerals
You’ve probably seen the white crust on your showerhead. That’s calcium and magnesium. Even with the treatment plant working overtime, North Dakota water is notoriously "hard."
✨ Don't miss: Why the Air France Crash Toronto Miracle Still Changes How We Fly
The city targets a specific hardness level, usually around 5 to 7 grains per gallon. For context, "raw" water in this region can be three or four times that. While the treatment plant does the heavy lifting, many residents still opt for home water softeners. Is it necessary? Sorta. It depends on how much you value your appliances. Hard water is a silent killer for water heaters and dishwashers. It builds up scale, reduces efficiency, and eventually causes components to fail.
But here’s the kicker: some people hate the feel of softened water. They say it feels "slimy" or like they can't get the soap off. That's the trade-off. You either get the "squeaky clean" feeling of hard water (which is actually just soap scum sticking to your skin) or the slick feeling of soft water.
Is it safe to drink?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: The City of Dickinson and the Southwest Water Authority are required by federal law—specifically the Safe Drinking Water Act—to test for hundreds of contaminants. We’re talking about lead, copper, nitrates, and those "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that everyone is worried about lately.
According to the most recent Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), the city of Dickinson water consistently meets or exceeds EPA standards. They monitor for:
- Microbial contaminants (like E. coli)
- Inorganic contaminants (arsenic, fluoride)
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Organic chemical contaminants
Wait, did I mention fluoride? Yes, Dickinson fluoridates its water. It’s a point of contention for some, but the city follows the North Dakota Department of Health’s recommendations for dental health. If you’re a hater, you’ll need a reverse osmosis system to get it out.
The summer "smell" and aesthetic issues
Ever noticed that the water smells a bit... earthy in July?
🔗 Read more: Robert Hanssen: What Most People Get Wrong About the FBI's Most Damaging Spy
It’s not dangerous. It’s algae.
When Lake Sakakawea warms up, algae blooms occur. Even after the water is filtered and treated, certain organic compounds like geosmin can linger. The human nose is incredibly sensitive to this stuff—we can detect it at parts per trillion. It’s the same smell you get after a rainstorm on dry dirt. The city often adds powdered activated carbon during the treatment process to soak up these odors, but occasionally, a little bit of that "earthy" vibe gets through.
If it bothers you, stick a pitcher in the fridge. Cold water hides the taste and smell much better than room-temperature tap water.
What’s the deal with the water rates?
Let’s be real: people complain about the bill.
Why is it so high? Because moving water 90 miles uphill isn't cheap. You aren't just paying for the liquid; you’re paying for the electricity to pump it, the chemicals to treat it, and the debt service on the billion-dollar infrastructure that brings it to the middle of the prairie.
The City of Dickinson sets its rates based on a combination of a fixed base fee and a consumption rate. The more you use, the more you pay. This is designed to encourage conservation. We live in a semi-arid climate. Water is a precious resource here, even if it feels like it’s everywhere when the snow melts in April.
Lead and older homes
If you live in one of the older neighborhoods near downtown or the hospital, you might have a different concern: lead service lines.
💡 You might also like: Why the Recent Snowfall Western New York State Emergency Was Different
The city has been working aggressively to map out where these old lead pipes are. While the water leaving the treatment plant is lead-free, it can pick up lead if it sits in an old pipe leading into your house. The city uses corrosion inhibitors (like orthophosphate) to create a protective coating inside the pipes, preventing the lead from leaching into the water.
If you’re worried, you can actually check the city’s service line inventory. They’ve been doing a lot of digging lately to replace these old lines. If you own an older home and haven't checked your plumbing, it might be worth a look.
Practical steps for Dickinson residents
Look, the city does a good job, but no municipal system is perfect for every individual’s needs. If you want the best experience with city of Dickinson water, here’s what you should actually do:
- Flush your taps. If you’ve been away for a weekend, let the cold water run for two minutes before drinking it. This clears out any water that’s been sitting in your home’s internal plumbing.
- Maintenance is key. If you have a water softener, check the salt levels monthly. If you have a sediment filter, change it every six months. You’d be surprised how much "gunk" a simple $20 filter can catch.
- Read the report. Don't take my word for it. Search for the "Dickinson Annual Drinking Water Quality Report." It’s a dry read, but it lists every single chemical and mineral detected in the previous year.
- Consider a carbon filter. A simple Brita or a fridge filter is usually enough to kill that summer algae taste. You don’t need a $5,000 whole-house system unless you really hate the minerals.
- Watch for leaks. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons a day. In Dickinson, that’s going to show up on your bill fast.
The water system here is a marvel of North Dakota grit. We’ve turned a dry patch of prairie into a thriving city by dragging water from a Missouri River reservoir across three counties. It’s not perfect, and it’s definitely "hard," but it’s a heck of a lot better than the alternative.
Stay hydrated. Check your filters. And maybe give a little thanks to those massive pumps 90 miles away next time you fill up your glass.
Key Action Items:
- Check the city’s website for the most recent Lead Service Line Inventory if your home was built before 1986.
- Monitor your water meter during the night to check for silent leaks in your irrigation or plumbing.
- If you experience a sudden change in pressure or color, contact the Dickinson Public Works Department immediately at (701) 456-7744.