History of the Western Area Water Supply Project
Enacted by the North Dakota Legislature, the Western Area Water Supply Project's Board of Directors includes members from each of the entities involved in the project, ensuring a regional approach to the water needs of rural residents, communities, and industries served.
The Western Area Water Supply Project utilizes a combination of Missouri River water treated at the Williston Regional Water Treatment Plant and groundwater treated by the R&T Water Supply Commerce Authority's Water Treatment Plant in Ray. This system meets the needs of municipal, rural, and industrial users across five northwestern North Dakota counties: Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, and Williams.
The project currently provides water to over 70,000 people and is estimated to serve 100,000 people by 2038. A majority of project costs are funded by selling excess water to the oil industry, while maximizing use of existing infrastructure. The service area includes the Cities of Williston, Watford City, Ray, Tioga, Stanley, Wildrose, Crosby, Fortuna, Noonan, Columbus, and Ross.
Member Entities
- Northwest Rural Water District
- McKenzie County Water District
- City of Williston
- BDW Water System Association
- R&T Water District
