A breakdown in the water filtration system within the Rolla Water Treatment Plant is

responsible for the change in the visible water quality.

The City of Rolla is working with the North Dakota Department of Health and the local

and regional public health offices to closely monitor the water situation, with the

number one priority being the safety of the city water for drinking.

The City of Rolla is expecting that it will take several weeks to have the water treatment

plant filtration system functional.

No, the drinking water problem is occurring within the city water treatment system and

not within the city sewer system. The water system and the sewer system are

completely separate.

Yes, the City of Rolla will be submitting additional water samples to be tested to verify

that harmful bacteria are not present in the city water.

Water samples are normally taken on a bi-monthly basis. Additional water sampling

and monitoring will take place during the next several weeks. The water will continue to

be treated, as it normally is, with chlorine and fluoride treatments to ensure its safety for

drinking purposes.

At the time of this publication, the Rolla City water is free of bacteria and considered

safe to drink.

Because the water filtration system is non functional, the city water contains sediment

that includes Iron and Manganese. Under normal circumstances, the majority of this

sediment is removed through the water treatment process. The water is safe to drink,

even though it may not look pleasing to the eye.

Flushing the city water hydrants maybe necessary to clear sediment from water lines.

Residents may not receive advance notice of random hydrant flushing and should be

prepared for variances in the water clarity.

Residents can expect to see changes in the water color on a daily or even more

frequent basis. The concentration of Iron and Manganese particles in the water, the

amount of water usage and hydrant flushing occurring within the city limits are

contributing factors to the color and clarity of the water.

Residents are encouraged to wash clothes and perform other routine daily activities as

they feel comfortable, based on individual and family circumstances.

Water faucet aerators, shower heads, and other household items that contain filters or

small openings may become plugged due to particles present in the water. Increasing

the cleaning frequency of the filter systems may be necessary to ensure adequate flow

of water.

Residents are encouraged to back flush water softeners to avoid sediment

accumulation. Because water softeners vary by brand, be sure to review the owner's

manual or consult a service provider and/or plumber for specific instructions on how to

back-flush a specific water softener.

Residents should consider flushing water heaters to reduce sediment accumulation in

the tank. For instructions on how to flush a water heater, refer to the owner's manual or

consult a service provider and/or plumber.

If each resident does their part to conserve water, the City will be better prepared to

fulfill essential water needs within Rolla. A Water-Wise-Conservation guide can be

obtained from the Rolla City Auditor or Rolette County Public Health District office.

Further information contact Rolla City Hall at 477-3610, Rolette County Public Health

District at 477-5646, or the Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health Division

at 70 1-662-7035.

Informational updates will be provided to local radio stations, the local newspaper,

Rolla City access channel and the City of Rolla website http://rolla.nd.utma.com/

Public Information provided through Rolette County Public Health District