Working to bring quality, abundant water to all corners of western South Dakota.
News
State Senator Duhamel says recent study highlights need for future water pipeline | 8/29/2025
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) -State Senator Helene Duhamel says a recent USGS study supports the need for a future pipeline to bring water from the Missouri River to the Black Hills region.
New study: Black Hills water supplies not meeting demand | 8/18/2025
PACTOLA RESERVOIR, S.D. – Water levels in this major source of drinking water for Rapid City were so low this spring that city leaders implemented water-use restrictions weeks earlier than normal and the state delayed installation of public boat docks.
Study Warns Black Hills Water Supply Can’t Keep Up with Growth | 8/15/2025
(Rapid City, SD) — A new federal study finds that water demand in South Dakota’s Black Hills is outpacing supply, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Study finds water demand outpacing supply in the Black Hills Region | 8/14/2025
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - A new study has found that water supply for the Black Hills area is not keeping up with demand.
The study at hand was carried out by the U.S. Geological Survey. South Dakota News Watch’s Bart Pfankuch, who first reported on the results of the study, tells KOTA Territory News that the study found aquifers are not refilling at the rate to support growth in the area.
Black Hills water supplies not meeting demand, study says | 8/11/2025
PACTOLA RESERVOIR, S.D. – Water levels in this major source of drinking water for Rapid City were so low this spring that city leaders implemented water-use restrictions weeks earlier than normal and the state delayed installation of public boat docks.
Severe drought conditions remain in Lyman, Brule, Buffalo counties | 8/5/2025
Not much change in the weekly South Dakota Drought Monitor.
The data, which is updated each Thursday, shows roughly 68% of the state is completely drought-free.
Learn more about the water needs of western South Dakota
purpose
Ensuring quality, abundant water to all corners of western South Dakota
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opportunity
We have the opportunity to prevent water access challenges for future generations.
progress
WDRWS was formed in 2021 to
address the growing water needs
of western South Dakota.
WDRWS Accomplishments to Date
