Prior Lake, Minnesota - The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community today released two reports on the status and condition of the Community's water supply. As a sovereign nation, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is the government entity responsible for providing quality drinking water to its members and guests.

"According to all our tests, the Community's water completed and passed all tests required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency," said SMSC Public Works Manager Jeremy Gosewich. "Water is tested daily for chlorine and fluoride. It is also tested regularly for bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants."

SMSC Tribal Administrator Bill Rudnicki spoke about the water reports. "It is important to the Community that the water we drink and serve to our Community members and our enterprise guests is of the highest possible quality. We have devoted many resources to providing the best possible drinking water, and the 2007 Water Reports describe the processes and systems we have developed and implemented."

The two reports, one for each Tribal water system, detail where the water comes from and the drinking water safety standards it meets. A Water Quality Data Table is contained in each report with precise findings. All governments which have their own water systems are required by federal law to publish this information. The reports highlight measures the SMSC takes to protect its water supply including its Wellhead Protection activities.

The McKenna Road Water System report discusses construction of a new water treatment facility, which was completed in 2007, and installation of a new water tower as part of that system. The Sioux Trail Water System includes information about the new Reverse Osmosis project which will go online in 2008.

Both reports are available at www.shakopeedakota.org or by calling 952-496-6176.

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