The East Grand Forks City Council convened on December 18, 2024, to discuss various aspects of the city's water supply and potential collaborations with neighboring districts. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure additional water sources and the complexities involved in such projects.

One of the primary topics addressed was the capacity of the city's water supply. Council members noted that East Grand Forks has the ability to produce over three million gallons of water daily, while the average consumption is around 900,000 gallons. This surplus capacity raises questions about the potential to supply water to neighboring areas facing challenges with their current sources.

The discussion also touched on the early stages of forming a water district to the north, where concerns about well water quality have prompted the exploration of alternative water sources. Council members reflected on their past experiences with rural water projects, emphasizing that these initiatives typically require significant time and coordination to gather necessary information and secure commitments from stakeholders.

A key point of discussion was the financial implications of supplying water to other districts. Council members expressed the need to establish fair pricing structures that would not undercut local residents. Considerations included potential hookup fees and the costs associated with maintaining existing infrastructure, which has been funded over the years by local taxpayers.

The council agreed to gather more information from the interested parties before making any decisions. They acknowledged that while the discussions are preliminary, they are essential for planning future water supply strategies. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the topic once more details are available, ensuring that any developments will be approached thoughtfully and with due diligence.