State investigating allegations of faked water quality reports in Aberdeen

Mayor, DANR say no evidence of unreliable water system, quality in the Hub City

There is no evidence to suggest there have been false or fake lab reports at the Aberdeen drinking water treatment plant, according to Aberdeen’s mayor.

In a social media post Thursday on his mayoral Facebook page and in a news release issued by the city, Mayor Travis Schaunaman said the city is cooperating with South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources after Water Treatment Superintend Robert Braun alleged during a City Council meeting earlier this week that a plant employee was doctoring water quality reports.

“After further discussion, it was established that the accusations did not pertain to tests mandated by (Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources) for compliance with safe drinking water standards. As an additional measure, DANR staff, a representative from South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems and city officials conducted a walk-through of the Aberdeen Water Treatment Plant on May 17th. No compliance issues were found, and operations were deemed satisfactory,” his post reads.

Plant not ready to fail, according to state DANR

The ag and natural resources department issued a brief statement about Aberdeen’s water treatment plant Thursday.

“DANR is aware of the situation in Aberdeen and is working with city officials to ensure the continued reliable operation of the water treatment plant and delivery of safe drinking water to its customers,” it reads. “Currently, there is no evidence of any public health concerns or treatment plant failure. DANR will continue to investigate the situation and work with the city to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable operation of the Aberdeen water treatment plant.

NEWS: Aberdeen water chief says City Hall complicit in faked quality reports at treatment plant