Progress
Western Dakota Regional Water System
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.
Accomplishments to Date
Since Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) formed as a nonprofit organization in 2021, the team has focused on preparing for the next big step – the Feasibility Study.
The need for a resilient water supply that future generations can rely upon is evident based on studies from SD Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey.
WDRWS worked with the State of South Dakota’s legislature and Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to acquire a Future Use Permit for 20,765 acre-feet of water per year from the Missouri River. The Water Management Board issued the Future Use Permit on May 7, 2025.
Completed engineering milestones include the development of conceptual designs for a Missouri River Intake and the Transmission System.
WDRWS is currently seeking Congressional Authorization for a Bureau of Reclamation Feasibility Study.
Progress 2019-2025
2019
- West Dakota Water Development District receives SD Mines report, recommending renewal of Missouri River future use permit and implementation of project to deliver water to western Pennington County.
2020
- West Dakota Water Development District seeks feedback on report
- Survey of potential stakeholders; informational meetings
- Recommendations: governance, technical assessment, and funding
2021
- Water use study
- Incorporate new non-profit in September 2021
- Named on the State Water Plan
- 1st Annual Meeting and Water Summit
- Advertise for engineer
2022
- Submit funding application to state
- Competitively select engineering team: AE2S, Black & Veatch, and KLJ
- Receive $8M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
- Begin canvassing and feasibility planning
2023
- Open memberships
- Receive $1M state grant
- Raise $303,500 in local funds and dues
- Canvassing meetings
- Gathering system data and determining needs
- Research intake & pipe route options
- SD Mines updates water demand projections
2024
- Receive 2nd $1M state grant
- Receive $2.2M in ARPA funding
- USGS finalizes report on water availability
- Seek Congressional authorization for Reclamation Feasability Study
- Evaluate water needs based on canvassing data
- Prepare conceptual design for waterline
- Future Use Permit application submitted
2025
- SD Legislature approves Future Use Permit legislation, Gov. Larry Rhoden signs it
- Water Management Board issues Future Use Permit
Current Work
- Program planning and user canvassing
- Preliminary alternatives for intake a pipeline routing
- Feasibility Study
USGS
Collaborative Agreement with Western Dakota Regional Water Systems to investigate and report on water use trends in the Black Hills region from 1990 through 2020.
