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.