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Banner Associates presents water-quality plan; council votes to pursue State Water Plan help
Summary
At a Sept. 22 special session, Banner Associates briefed the Milbank City Council on persistent secondary drinking-water issues tied to well use and recommended pursuing State Water Plan entries and water-right permits; the council approved those applications 6-0.
At a special meeting on Sept. 22, 2025, the Milbank City Council heard a presentation from representatives of Banner Associates on the City—————————————————————————Water Improvement Plan. Council recorded a set of motions to apply to the State Water Plan for water source and treatment improvements, to apply for wastewater treatment improvements, and to pursue Future Water Rights Permit(s); the minutes record each motion as carried, 6-0.
Banner Associates—representatives told the council that "Secondary Drinking Water Regulations are non-enforceable federal guidelines addressing cosmetic effects such as tooth or skin discoloration and aesthetic effects like taste, odor, or color of drinking water." They said the City is using more well water than spring water, a condition that helps explain the persistent secondary issues. The presentation included cost estimates, limitations of potential fixes, and recommended next steps. Banner—representatives also advised that, apart from a recommendation that residents on low-sodium diets consult their physician, "the water is safe to drink."
The motions formalize pursuing state planning and permitting support that Banner recommended. The council recorded the first motion to "apply to be on the State Water Plan for Water Source and/or Treatment Improvements" as carried 6-0; subsequent motions to "apply to be on the State Water Plan for Wastewater Treatment Improvements" and to "apply for Future Water Rights Permit(s)" were also recorded as carried 6-0. The minutes do not specify individual mover/second names or how each councilor voted beyond the recorded 6-0 tallies.
Next steps noted in the presentation and by staff include documenting cost estimates for identified treatment or source changes, pursuing the State Water Plan applications approved by the council, and refining a timeline and funding strategy. Staff and Banner Associates were directed to continue developing options and to return with more detailed scopes and budgets as those items progress.
