Amelia Schafer
ICT
RAPID CITY, S.D. — All water on the Spirit Lake Reservation in central North Dakota is unsafe for any usage, after tribal water testing announced on Tuesday, May 27 that they’d detected elevated levels of manganese.
The tribe is now providing bottled water to residents until a new filtration system arrives. Each family can receive one case of bottled water per every two family members. Families with infants and elders are prioritized.
According to tribal officials, a water sample test on May 13 showed elevated manganese levels as did a follow-up sample on May 20. Recorded manganese levels in both cases exceeded national regulations.
Roughly 4,000 people live on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
“We anticipate the arrival and installation of a temporary water filtration system within approximately 14 days,” the tribe said in a press statement. “Further information regarding ongoing testing and results will be provided as soon as our systems are in place.”
Manganese cannot be boiled out of water, and heat can cause levels to worsen, the tribe said. The tribe said the water cannot be used for cooking or drinking. Water is safe for external usage.
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in both groundwater and surface water, while it’s an essential nutrient at low levels, high levels pose a risk to infants, children and elders.
High exposure to manganese can lead to brain development issues, a lack of movement control and coordination, according to the International Water Quality Association.
The tribal council is currently seeking assistance from state and federal agencies, according to a May 28 press release.
“The health and wellbeing of our community is our highest priority, and we are committed to restoring access to safe water services as effectively as possible,” said Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street.