BISMARCK (AP) - Some western North Dakota communities have begun benefiting from a project aimed at bringing treated drinking water from the Missouri River.
The Forum reports the Western Area Water Supply Project is designed to supply water to residents of Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail and Williams counties.
The Legislature created the Western Area Water Supply Authority, which is made up of several western North Dakota water districts. The project was funded with $110 million in loans that will be repaid through the sale of water to the oil industry.
Officials say the project is anticipated to serve more than 80,000 people in five counties by 2025.