Calcium Deposits Lead to Scrutiny of Bismarck Water

Bismarck's director of utility operations, Michelle Klose, says the residue does not present a health risk.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ Some north Bismarck residents are complaining about calcium deposits in water from their faucets at home.

Bismarck’s director of utility operations, Michelle Klose, says the problem has been identified in at least 64 mainly newer homes on the outskirts of the city.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that Klose says the residue does not present a health risk.

Greg Wavra, administrator of the North Dakota Drinking Water Program, says Bismarck’s water meets the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and that calcium buildup should not be a cause for alarm.

The city says magnesium heating rods may cause the deposits and suggests that homeowners switch to aluminum heating rods and lower the temperature of water heaters to mitigate the problem.