Pierre’s switch from well water to Missouri River water is complete

The City of Pierre’s transition from well water to treated Missouri River surface water is complete.

Distribution of the treated water from the new water treatment plant began about a month ago. Since then, the City Water Department has been systematically flushing the old well water out of its distribution system to help expedite the transition to new water.

The same set of pipes that took the old water to our customers is used to transport the new water as well, according to Dane Brewer, Water Superintendent. He says to help move the old water out of the system, they’ve been flushing water out through fire hydrants and testing water chemistry at different points throughout the system to monitor the progress.

Brewer says the mineral levels throughout all the testing points in the distribution system are now consistent with the treated water from the plant, so all Pierre water customers are receiving the new water.

Customers who don’t use much water or who have large water heaters may still have some of the well water left in their plumbing. Brewer says if people have concerns about that, they’ll need to drain their appliances themselves or work with a plumber to have that done; the City doesn’t have the ability to flush appliances for customers. Other than that, he says no action is needed by customers.

Consistent with state and federal regulations, the City will continue to monitor the water chemistry and quality produced by the new treatment plant and issue an annual drinking water report with the results.

Although the water transition is complete, work not related to water production will continue at the treatment facility into 2023.

In 2020, the Pierre City Commission approved the design for the $37.5 million water treatment plant. That approval followed a 2018 public vote which showed 73% approval of the City’s plan to transition from well water to treated Missouri River surface water.