2025 Annual Meeting: From Planning into Progress Toward Western South Dakota’s Water Future

The 2025 Western Dakota Regional Water System Annual Meeting brought together visionaries from across the state and the nation, all committed to building a secure and sustainable water future for Western South Dakota. The fall gathering in Keystone reflected how far the effort has come and the collective determination to turn careful planning into measurable progress.

More than one hundred people attended this year’s meeting, representing member systems, local governments, and key state and federal partners. Their participation underscored the unity and momentum that defines Western Dakota Regional Water System.

The Board of Directors and members remain the driving force behind this work—people who believe in this project because they care deeply about their communities and about South Dakota.

Attorney General Marty Jackley opened the program with remarks that set an optimistic and determined tone. He reminded attendees that water is not simply a resource but the foundation of stability, growth, and opportunity.

Presentations from federal, state, and local partners echoed that theme. Sarah LeFlore of the Secretary’s Indian Water Rights Office emphasized the importance of cooperation and inclusion among all jurisdictions. Kevin Smith of the City of Sioux Falls shared how forward-looking planning has strengthened infrastructure and community growth in Eastern South Dakota.

The USGS presented new findings on groundwater in the Black Hills, confirming that while regional aquifers remain resilient, they are not without limits. This research provides a strong, science-based foundation for responsible planning and sustainable growth.

Engineering partners from AE2S, Black & Veatch, and KLJ presented the conceptual transmission design, showing how Missouri River water could one day reach communities across the region. The design represents a major milestone and positions WDRWS for the next critical step—federal feasibility authorization.

The 2025 Annual Meeting reaffirmed that WDRWS has put forth years of steady, disciplined work built on science, partnership, and shared vision. Every step has brought this project closer to reality. The foundation has been laid, the partnerships are strong, and the path forward is clear. Western South Dakota is ready to move confidently from planning to progress.