RAPID CITY, S.D. – Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) will be launching a public facing campaign in January to bring awareness to water availability in Western South Dakota’s future.

Long-term drought conditions have forced rural West River residents and ranchers who rely on wells to scramble to find water to keep their families and livestock alive.

Rapid City Water Superintendent Eric Boyda discusses watering restrictions during a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Sioux Park

Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed an executive order aimed at helping rural fire departments during the prolonged drought. The order expands South Dakota Wildland Fire’s assistance and resources to help rural fire departments outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, the governor’s office said in a release.

South Dakota is no stranger to severe weather events. The latest proof: a 131 mph wind gust on June 29 in Highmore that was one of the strongest recorded in U.S. history and the second-highest gust recorded in South Dakota.

After passing out of a U.S. Senate committee last month (June 10, 2026), legislation to pay for a feasibility study for the Western Dakota Regional Water System is waiting to be heard by the full Senate.