Planned water shut off in downtown Bismarck underway following discovery of indicator bacteria

Courtesy: City of Bismarck
Courtesy: City of Bismarck

(Bismarck, ND) --  Bismarck officials are shutting down water service to part of city following bacterial testing in utility pipes.

City crews will spend Saturday and Sunday disinfecting pipes in buildings on Fifth Street between Thayer Avenue and Main Avenue.  Health officials say they discovered coliforms in the water within this area; which are unlikely to cause illness themselves, but can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria which can pose significant health risks. KX News in Bismarck reports that city officials have tested for dangerous bacteria, the results for which came back negative. 

Authorities say the city will be providing bottled water to people living affected by the shutoff.