Timing is critical

Gary Drewes, the County Commissioner of Pennington County’s District 5, is no stranger to the waters of the Missouri River. He was a City Commissioner and then the Mayor of Pierre before stepping into his leadership role in Pennington County. His close proximity to the Missouri River while living and serving in Pierre has allowed him to be a part of some of the conversations about transporting the water of the Missouri River throughout South Dakota — including some of the conversations around the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System.

Drewes explained that watching the growth of this system that supplies water to southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa and southeast Minnesota, has been illuminating for him. The initial conversations surrounding the Lewis & Clark System invited water districts from all over the region to discuss their water needs. Some districts chose not to participate, and, over three decades later, are expressing regrets that they didn’t take those early steps to be a part of this system.

Drewes views the development of the Lewis & Clark System as source of knowledge when it comes to ensuring the water needs of western South Dakota. “One of my concerns is to make sure that everybody in western South Dakota has the opportunity to sign up and express their interest
and their needs for that future water supply,” he said. “Timing is
critical. If you think you have a need — even if it’s 30 or 40 years
down the road or for the next generation or two — get signed up now. It’s important to do it now.”