WDRWS Request for a Future Use Permit Made Progress in Pierre on Wednesday

(May 9, 2025) The South Dakota Department of Ag and Natural Resources Water Management Board officially gave the green light to the Future Use Permit for the Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) on May 7th.

The approved WDRWS Future Use Permit allows up to 20,765-acre-feet of water from the Missouri River to be utilized per year. The permit is a critical tool for ensuring that water resources are available for long-term water development in South Dakota.

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources conducted a technical review of the WDRWS Future Use Permit application before sending it to the South Dakota Legislature for approval. On March 7, Gov. Larry Rhoden signed SJR 501, the legislation in support of the WDRWS Future Use Permit. The Water Management Board’s decision on Wednesday to issue a Future Use Permit to WDRWS is the final step in the state’s approval process.        

“Western Dakota Regional Water System members thank the Water Management Board, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Governor Rhoden, and the South Dakota Legislature for supporting this initiative to provide water to western South Dakotans. This effort will positively impact future generations,” says Kristin Conzet, WDRWS Executive Director.

“The Missouri River is an abundant resource that flows through South Dakota. It is important that we make use of what is available to us, before other states stake their own claims on the water,” says Jake Fitzgerald, WDRWS President and Manager of the West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System.

Future Use Permits greater than 10,000-acre-feet per year require legislative approval. The issuance of permits is carefully aligned with the state’s water management policies to balance future demands with current water supply.

ABOUT WDRWS

Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) is a non-profit corporation, formed to address the need for water in western South Dakota. A South Dakota Mines study from 2019 and a 2025 U.S. Geological Survey study show a current shortage of water under drought conditions.  Projected population growth and the ongoing threat of drought illustrate the need for WDRWS to bring water to West River. WDRWS is an alliance of forward-thinking community, governmental and water system leaders who believe that the future of western South Dakota will be fueled by access to abundant and quality water. Large and small public water systems, associate members, and individuals make up the membership of the WDRWS.

Learn more by visiting www.WDRWS.org.