WDRWS will host series of open houses the first week of June
Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) will host a series of open houses the first week of June to provide information about the plan to bring water from the Missouri River to western South Dakota.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
- Piedmont: Tues, June 3, 4:30-6:30 (MT) American Legion Post 311, 101 Pine Street
- Hot Springs: Weds, June 4, 4:30-6:30 (MT) American Legion Post 71, 1045 Jennings Avenue
- Ft. Pierre: Thurs, June 5, 4:30-6:30 (CST) Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Museum, 210 Verendrye Drive
“The open houses provide an opportunity for cities, water systems, and community members to learn about the plan to expand water access to West River and ask questions,” said Kristin Conzet, Executive Director of WDRWS. “Our team values these events as a chance to engage directly and gain a deeper understanding of the unique needs of water systems throughout western South Dakota.”
WDRWS passed an important milestone on May 7th when the South Dakota Department of Ag and Natural Resources Water Management Board approved the WDRWS Future Use Permit. The decision allows WDRWS to utilize up to 20,765-acre-feet of water per year from the Missouri River. The next major step is to receive Congressional authorization for the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a Feasibility Study.
The effort to bring water from the Missouri River to the west is in the planning stages. However, organizers say now is the time to get involved. “Once federal approval is secured and the Feasibility Study is initiated, incorporating additional communities and rural water systems into the scope will be highly constrained both logistically and financially,” said Conzet. “Engaging at this stage is essential as this is the most viable and cost-effective opportunity to ensure your water needs are considered in the long-term planning for western South Dakota.”
WDRWS currently has 41 members which include cities, water systems, organizations, and individuals. Under the proposed plan, WDRWS would deliver water from the Missouri River to municipal water utilities, rural water systems, and subdivisions. The water would then be distributed to residents for human and livestock use.
