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New Regulations Has City Of Orleans Looking Into Possible Water Supply Options

September 22, 2022 Steve Schwaller

(Orleans)– Some new regulations from the state level has the city of Orleans looking at its options for its drinking water supply. Mayor Bill Maas tells KUOO news they contract with the city of Spirit Lake for water. Maas says that contract will soon be up for renewal. He says that’s how they became aware of the new state regulations…

“And the DNR is saying we would have to, if we’re going to keep purchasing this water, have our own water superintendent and then also put in three valves that will measure how much water goes through them. That little project alone for the water valves is probably pushing a half a million dollars. Then we’re unsure about what would happen with our water distribution system. It needs to be upgraded in some places and that’s upcoming, too, so.”

Maas says the DNR has set a deadline for Orleans to resolve the matter, and that they don’t have much time to get that done. He says it would require the work be done during the upcoming winter…

“We have to have this done in a very short period of time and we don’t really know if it’s possible to physically be able to do that.”

Maas says he’s hopeful the state would grant an extension.

The Orleans City Council will meet in special session at 5:30 pm Monday to talk about the matter and look into possible options.

Maas says its likely Orleans residents will see higher water bills as an end result of whatever’s decided.

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