Water
The City of Milbank Water Department is committed to ensuring safe drinking water through its water treatment and distribution process. To keep consumers informed about water quality and standards, the City publishes an annual drinking water report (see below).
Water Hardness 35-41 grains per gallon
Bulk Water Sales Filling Station is at 311 W 3rd Avenue Milbank. The bulk water cost is .50¢ = 250 – 300 gallons
Water Readings
Please Email: utilityclerk@milbanksd.com with your monthly water reading information
Read the Meter – E-Coder Meter
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for maintenance of water meters, valve, and water service lines?
The City of Milbank is responsible for the maintenance of the water meter. If the water meter is not working properly or if you suspect there is a problem with your water meter please contact us at (605) 432-9575.
Property owners are responsible for maintenance of all water piping from the City’s main (including the connection) to the house or business including all piping in the building. Property owners are repsonsible for the maintenance of the curb stop valve and the valve before the meter.
When my water comes out of the tap, it looks coudy, but then clears up. Should I be concerned?
Cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to the bubbles in carbonated soft drinks. After a while, the bubbles rise to the top and escape into the air.
This type of cloudiness occurs most often in the winter when the drinking water is cold. When relatively warm well water leaves the treatment system, it travels through pipes in the frozen ground to your home. The water is cooled and is not able to retain as much oxygen, but because the water is trapped in a pipe the oxygen cannot escape. When you open your tap, the water is no longer trapped inside the pipes and the oxygen immediately begins to escape (or bubble) to the surface.
If my water service line freezes, who is responsible for thawing it out?
The City of Milbank is not responsible for thawing out your pipes, as the water service is the homeonwer’s property from the house to the main in the street. However, we will assist you in contacting the appropriate professional to fix the problem and will assist who you hire.
Water Appearance – rust?
The water appears rust colored.
At only one faucet: This is an indication of possible problems with the internal plumbing, not the water. Please call a plumber to investigate.
At all the faucets: This is an indication the coloration is coming from the water main that provides water to your building.
Flush your household plumbing:
- Remove aerators, or the screens, from the end of every faucet and rinse any particles from them.
- Start in the basement or lowest level and work your way to the top floor. Fully open each cold water tap and allow the water to run.
- Your water should be clear after 10 minutes. Start at the top floor and turn off the water at each faucet, finishing the basement.
- Re-attach aerators to the faucets.
If the water is discolored, continue flushing until clear. If it is still discolored after 30 minutes, please call the city office at (605) 432-9575.
Rusty water can stain laundry so if you see discoloration avoid washing laundry, particularly white items, until the water clears. If you see rust stains on your laundry, you may want to try a rust and iron stain remover product found in the laundry detergent section of stores. We do have some rust and iron remover on hand in the city office.
