FORT TOTTEN – The Spirit Lake Drinking Water System has successfully returned to safe levels of manganese, allowing for the lifting of the recommendation to not drink the water, which was issued on May 27, according to the Spirit Lake Tribe.

A temporary filtration unit was installed on June 24 to address the issue. Monitoring results from the treated drinking water now indicate manganese levels are below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s short- and long-term health advisories.

While the recommendation to refrain from drinking tap water has been lifted, the Spirit Lake Water System continues to operate on the temporary filtration unit, which is maintaining water production at a reduced capacity of 690,000 gallons per day, compared to the normal output of a million gallons per day, the tribe stated in a news release. As a precautionary measure, the community is asked to conserve water until a permanent filtration unit is installed, likely in August.

Water distribution efforts will continue for all community members under the rural water system, with further announcements regarding water availability forthcoming.

“We are deeply thankful to the agencies, organizations, individuals, and tribes who provided essential assistance, whether through technical support or by donating water. I especially want to acknowledge Roger Yankton, Jr. and the Incident Command team for their diligence throughout this emergency. Their commitment demonstrates that through collaboration, we can overcome challenges as a community,” Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street stated in the release.