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Public Works

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1. Why do we have a higher rate for our tier of 25 units and above?

Our base level consistent usage year round is around 200 million gallons a month, but in May through September, it raises to over 600 million gallons in our highest months just for lawn irrigation. “Running out” of water isn’t an acceptable option because we have to assure safe drinking water and fire protection at all times. So we have to invest in a system large enough to be able to make 3 times more than we typically sell. In certain areas, the City’s ability to meet water needs is stressed upwards of 7 to 10 times the capability to meet those needs.

Unfortunately, lower sales in off months save very little expense because most of our costs are fixed and do not go down when usage goes down. So we have to build and maintain 3 times more infrastructure for storage, treatment, and high-service extra pumping costs than we usually need, but with a system essentially three times as large as it normally needs to be, we then are faced with only having 3 to 5 months of higher use to recoup those costs.

Fairness dictates that the ones who are using way more water in a very short time are the ones who should pay for it. The study determined that the peak demands are being largely driven by our highest irrigation users, so that’s why we adjusted our tiers to recover more cost from the heaviest irrigators. Low-irrigation customers will be better off under this system, and customers who still want to irrigate heavily can still make that choice. The City isn’t seeking to restrict usage, just to stop low-irrigation customers from subsidizing high-irrigation customers in the future.

Public Works Utility Billing Rate Schedule 2019

2. My water bill shows units of water used. What is a unit?

Water usage is measured by consumption units. One consumption unit 100 cubic feet, which is the same as 748.5 gallons. A container five feet long by five feet wide and four feet high holds one consumption unit.

3. How do I establish water service at a new home in Bismarck?

If your new address is outside of Bismarck city limits, please contact South Central Water Users at (701) 258-8710.  City of Bismarck Water Utility Division will need an Utility Service Agreement for Residential form filled out. Stop in the office at 601 S 26th St, or click on the link below to complete online.  You may mail the form to: Water Utility Division (PO Box 5555) or Fax it to 701 221-6840.  These forms must be received in the office prior to the day you want services put into your name. The effective date on the agreement cannot be a weekend or holiday.

Utility Service Agreement for Residential

4. How do I establish water service at a new business in Bismarck?

The Water Billing office will need a Commercial Property Service Agreement form filled out.
Stop in the office at 601 S 26th St, or click on the link below to print out the form and return to the Water Billing office by mail (PO Box 5555), by fax (701 221-6840) or in person (601 S 26th St).

These forms must be received in the office prior to the day you want services put into your name.
The effective date on Service Agreements CANNOT be a weekend or holiday.

Commercial Property Service Agreement

5. What do I need to do to discontinue water services?

Contact the Water Billing Office customer service number, (701) 355-1700, option 1, with the following information:

• your account number
  
• current address
  
• your forwarding address
  
• date you want services discontinued

6. Why is my water consumption so high?

The City of Bismarck encourages City residents to be aware of their water consumption, in order to assist with water conservation practices. Water Analytics shows residents their water usage by year, month, day and down to the hour.
Sign up for Water Analytics  Checking your meter and testing for leaks

7. How can I conserve water in my home?

Learn about water conservation at home by viewing our Water Conservation Tips page.

8. Where is the City Landfill located?

The Bismarck Landfill is located at 2111 N 52nd St, Bismarck ND 58501.
To get there, head east on Divide Avenue to 52nd Street and turn north.

9. How can I dispose of paint or other hazardous materials?

The Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Center accepts many hazardous household materials. Hazardous Waste and Electronics

10. How often is garbage picked up in Bismarck?

Garbage collection is once a week for Bismarck residents. Collection day is based on the area of town you live in.  All materials for collection must be placed within 3 feet of the curb or alley, whichever is your collection point, before 6:00 AM on your scheduled day of collection.

Residential Garbage Collection Information

11. If my original garbage day lands on a holiday, when will my garbage be picked up?

No collection on the holiday. Garbage collection will be delayed one day throughout the remainder of the week.

Garbage Collection Information

12. What if I have an emergency and my street is blocked with snow?

In the event of an emergency, call 911. If the Police Department determines you have a qualifying emergency, a plow will be dispatched to help emergency crews get access.

13. What are the requirements and restrictions for garbage to be picked up?

• Ashes must be in a box and not in garbage cans
• Branches must be less than four feet long, tied in bundles and weigh less than 50 pounds
• Garbage is collected once a week
• Garbage containers may not be stored on the boulevard
• Garbage must be bagged
• Garbage must be light enough for one man to lift
• Garbage must be placed within 3 feet of curb or alley
• Garbage must be set out by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day
• Private garbage containers cannot exceed 35 gallons
• Regulations for City Issued Waste Containers

Garbage Collection Information

14. What are the regulations for the Automated Waste Collection Containers?

• The container must be set out by 6:00 am on your normally scheduled pick-up day to be emptied.  Trucks will not be rerouted for late placements.
• City issued containers must remain at a property if the property is sold.
• The handle of the container must face the house.
• Garbage must be placed in bags before placed into the container.

Regulations for City Issued Waste Containers

15. What is the difference between inert waste and non-inert waste?

Inert Waste:  Asphalt Gravel Roof, Ceiling Tile, Glass,  Masonite Siding, Masonry, Plaster, Roofing Paper, Sheetrock, Shingles & Tar, Steel Siding, Vinyl Siding, Wood, Wooden Furniture

Municipal Waste:  Ashes, Carpet, Fiber Glass, Food Waste (sandwich bags, discarded meat & veg), Insulation Board, Insulating Material (all), Paper, Plastic (poly-sheets, shrink plastic, etc), Silicon Tubes, Styrofoam, Upholstered Furniture, Wiring/Circuitry (internal)

Landfill Fees

Landfill Information

16. How do I report a street light or stop light that is malfunctioning?

Call the Public Works office at (701)355-1700 with the exact location or address of the malfunctioning street light or stop light or submit Report a Concern.

Request Tracker system

17. How do I report a large pothole?

Call the Public Works office at (701)355-1700 with the exact location or address of the malfunctioning street light or stop light or submit Report a Concern.

Request Tracker system