The city of Dell Rapids sent a letter to water customers after receiving a violation notice from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The violation came after a positive test for coliform bacteria in January. The city is normally required to submit four drinking water samples per month to be analyzed for coliform bacteria and chlorine residual levels. However, the month following a positive same, it is necessary for five samples to be submitted to the state, and the city only submitted four samples in February. Due to only sending four samples in February, the city was required to send the letter informing the customers of the mistake in testing.
This mistake was brought to the Dell Rapids City Council’s attention during their regular meeting on Monday, March 21st. During the meeting it was noted that the city’s Public Works Department has set measures in place to make sure this oversight doesn’t happen again. The letter sent to customers also noted that the four samples that were submitted in the month of February were negative for coliform bacteria and were within limits for chlorine residuals. The letter also said that all indication is that there is no harmful bacteria in the city water system.
For additional information, customers can contact Justin Weiland at City Hall at 605-428-3595.