Public Invited to Discuss Water Needs of Western S.D.
(RAPID CITY, S.D.) — Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) is inviting the public
to learn more about a proposed project to deliver abundant, quality water from the Missouri River to western South Dakota.
The first open house will take place on Tuesday, May 9, at the City of Spearfish Council
Chambers at 625 North Fifth Street from 4 to 7 p.m. The second open house will take place on
Wednesday, May 10, at Elevate’s David Lust Accelerator Building at 18 East Main Street in
Rapid City, from 4 to 7 p.m.
WDRWS was formed by Tribal, community, governmental and water system leaders who believe the future of western South Dakota depends on quality drinking water. This nonprofit organization was formed in 2021 to plan, construct and manage the delivery of Missouri River water to communities, tribes and other rural water
systems throughout western South Dakota.
Dale Tech, President of WDRWS, stated that: “Water use in western South Dakota is
already at levels where, if we have years of prolonged drought, water shortages may develop
rapidly. If our population continues to grow at a rapid rate, we may quickly outpace the capacity
of our water supply even in years of average precipitation. Building a pipeline from the Missouri
River is a crucial step to ensure future water security for western South Dakota, and we invite
the public to join us and learn more about the project.”
These events are free and open to the public.
For more information or for interviews, contact WDRWS Executive Director Cheryl
Chapman at (605) 484-0334.