Engineering Team Update:Transmission and Distribution SystemConceptual Designs

The Western Dakota Regional Water System engineering team is close to wrapping up the development of the conceptual water transmission system. The current concept, developed by AE2S, Black & Veatch, and KLJ engineers, consists of a 165-mile-long, 72-inch diameter pipeline from Lake Oahe to the Rapid City metro area.

In addition, four pump stations are included to move the water along the pipeline and lift it nearly 2,000 feet in elevation between the lake and Rapid City. Each pump station will also include storage reservoirs to provide operational and equalization storage.

The engineering team has begun the conceptual design for the distribution system that will deliver water from the transmission system to each WDRWS member’s system. The current efforts are focused on developing the hydraulic model which will be used to identify locations for storage reservoirs and pump stations. The team is also developing an operations plan for the overall system—from intake through treatment, pump stations, transmission pipelines, reservoirs, and finally to the member distribution systems.

The engineering team previously met with all WDRWS members to identify delivery points. Once the conceptual distribution system is developed, it will be reviewed with each member to verify points of delivery, rates, and pressures. The engineers will reach out beginning in early 2026 to schedule those meetings.