Overview

About WAWSA

Enacted by the North Dakota Legislature, Western Area Water Supply Project’s Board of Directors includes members from each of the various entities involved in the project. This ensures a regional approach to the water needs of the rural residents, communities and industries served.

 

About the Project

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 water supply system meets the needs of municipal, rural and industrial users in five northwestern North Dakota counties.

Western Area Water Supply Project Facts

• Services Williston, Watford City, Ray, Tioga, Stanley, Wildrose, Crosby, Fortuna, Noonan, Columbus and Ross 
• Service area includes 5 counties: Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail and Williams
• Currently providing water to over 70,000 people
• Estimated to provide water to 100,000 people by 2038

During this period of regional growth, a majority of the project is to be paid for by selling excess water produced to the oil industry. The Western Area Water Supply Project also maximizes infrastructure already in place, keeping in mind the needs of the communities now and into the future.

 

Board Officers

• Chris Brostuen, Chairman - City of Williston
• Ellis Haake, Vice Chairman - Northwest Rural Water District
• Gary Rust - BDW Water System Association
• Doug Anderson - BDW Water System Association
• Raoul Brandt – R&T Water District
• Kent Bickler - R&T Water District
• Robert Harms – Northwest Rural Water District
• Matt Beard – McKenzie County Water Resource District
• Larry Novak - McKenzie County Water Resource District
• Ward Koeser - City of Williston 

 

Entities Represented

• Northwest Rural Water District
• McKenzie County Water District 
• City of Williston 
• BDW Water System Association
• R&T Water District