How The North Burleigh Water Treatment Plant Improved Water Quality With Innovative Technology

The North Burleigh Water Treatment Plant, which serves Bismarck, North Dakota, achieved significant operational improvements following a major upgrade in March 2021 with the installation of a Pinnacle Summit ozone system. The new technology replaced outdated treatment systems and has since delivered substantial gains in water production, efficiency, and reliability.

Operated by the South Central Regional Water District, the facility plays a critical role in supplying water across a rapidly expanding service network. Under the leadership of Executive Director Doug Nybauer, the district has grown dramatically since its early days, expanding from roughly 700 meters to more than 5,200 meters across a 1,500-mile distribution network. As demand increased, the district recognized the need for a modern treatment system capable of meeting stricter regulatory requirements while supporting long-term growth.

One of the key challenges facing the plant was the presence of iron and manganese in the region’s groundwater, along with fluctuating water table conditions. Earlier pilot studies using alternative oxidants proved costly and ineffective. The adoption of the Pinnacle Summit ozone system ultimately provided a more efficient and reliable solution.

Since installation, the plant has experienced a 64% increase in finished water production and a 20% reduction in operating costs. The ozone system has also demonstrated exceptional durability, delivering more than 40,000 hours of continuous operation as of August 2024.

Beyond improving treatment performance, the system significantly reduced maintenance demands and chemical usage. The result is a more efficient, resilient, and future-ready water treatment process capable of supporting the district’s growing distribution network for years to come.