Spirit Lake begins bottled water distribution in response to manganese contamination

The Spirit Lake Tribal Council launched an emergency water distribution plan May 28 following the detection of elevated manganese levels in the water system, according to a public notice issued May 27. All residents of the Spirit Lake Reservation are affected, and bottled water will be distributed through June 11.

Each household is eligible to receive one case of water per two people after submitting a request form. Distribution sites include recreation centers in the Mission, Fort Totten, Woodlake and Crow Hill districts. Priority will be given to families with infants, elders and residents with medical conditions. A temporary water filtration system is expected within 14 days. According to the Tribal Council, the Office of Environmental Health will test water safety at all distribution sites. Community members needing transportation assistance may contact local emergency and public health officials listed in the notice.