ABOUT WAWSA
Western Area Water Supply Authority was enacted under North Dakota Legislature in 2011 and consists of participating member entities located within McKenzie, Williams, Burke, Divide, and Mountrail Counties. The Western Area Water Supply Project Board of Directors includes members from each of the entities included in the Project. This diverse makeup 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.
How it started vs How it’s going
Western Area Water Supply Project Facts
- Currently providing water to over 72,000 people
- Population growth since 2011 is at 249% growth
- Service area includes five counties: Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail and Williams
- Communities served include: Williston, Watford City, Tioga, Ray, Stanley, Wildrose, Alamo, Fortuna, Noonan, Columbus, Ross, Arnegard, Keene, Springbrook, Epping, Wheelock, Blaisdell, Palermo and McGregor.
- 3,147+ Miles installed of rural distribution & transmission pipeline
- 26 Ground storage reservoirs
- 39 Pump stations
- 5 water towers
2026 & Beyond
Planning, Engineering & Construction of:
- 525+ Miles of transmission & distribution pipeline
- 550+ New rural connections
- Williston Regional Water Treatment Plant upgrades and expansion to 35MGD
- R&T Water Treatment Plant expansion to 4MGD
Member Entities
- Northwest Rural Water District
- McKenzie County Water District
- City of Williston
- BDW Water System Association
- R&T Water District
