This data is derived from an independent study conducted by the South Dakota School of Mines that was subsequently verified by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). To access the comprehensive, in-depth study, please consult our technical site.
To take a deeper dive into the solution and the progress that’s already been made and more, please visit our technical site.
Western South Dakota’s need for supplemental water shifts from a long-term concern to an immediate reality when drought lingers beyond a single season. As streams thin, reservoirs shrink, and demand continues to grow, the region can reach a point where existing supplies can’t keep up — making additional water sources essential.
The map below is updated with the latest moisture data from the U.S. Drought Monitor — use it to see whether your community is currently experiencing drought.
This map is automatically updated every Thursday.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.
Visit the U.S. Drought Monitor for regularly updated maps and data that track drought conditions across western South Dakota and the rest of the nation.
Resources
You can also continue your research by exploring our curated list at our Western Dakota Regional Water Watch where you’ll find real-time forecasts, climate trends, regional insights, and more.
You may have additional questions as you consider the information presented here. Water supply, drought conditions, and long-term planning are complex topics that often require further clarification. Below are several frequently asked questions, along with clear, concise answers to help provide a better understanding of how these issues may affect your home and community.
Building a long term water system is a major investment, but it will not be paid for by just one group.
Funding will come from a mix of sources:
Right now, the project is in the study and planning phase. That work helps determine the most cost effective way to build the system.
The goal is simple:
Spread the cost over time and across partners so water remains affordable for families and communities.
Doing nothing also has a cost. Without a new water source, communities could face:
No - The amount of water needed for western South Dakota is very small compared to the size of the Missouri River.
Even at the lowest recorded river flows, the total use for West River would be equal to: about 0.1 ounce of water for every gallon flowing in the Missouri River
The Missouri River flows within South Dakota’s borders and is one of the state’s greatest natural resources. It provides an opportunity to support communities across the entire state, including western South Dakota.
In addition:
Other states along the Missouri River already use their share. South Dakota has a legal right to use its share as well.
Choosing not to use it does not protect the river. It simply means South Dakota leaves its water unused.
All major water projects must go through a detailed environmental review through the Feasibility Study conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation before it can be built.
This process evaluates:
The goal is to: avoid impacts where possible and reduce them where they cannot be avoided
There are also environmental benefits:
WDRWS is designed to meet strict state and federal environmental standards.
Conservation is part of the solution, but western South Dakota cannot conserve its way out of this problem. As our population continues to grow, the existing water supply will not be enough to sustain us. Under drought conditions, we will have even less available water to serve the growing population. Bringing more water to West River will allow future generations to enjoy the way of life we enjoy today. In addition to vocally supporting the need for more water in western South Dakota, there are ways to help our water supply stretch a bit further by adding conservation into your daily life.
No. The effort to bring more water to western South Dakota is based on the area’s vulnerability to drought and its growing population. Western Dakota Regional Water System was formed in 2021 to ensure reliable ongoing access to water for West River communities and rural water systems. If an additional water source isn’t identified and developed soon, we could see sharp increases in water rates and extreme mandatory conservation measures.
If you don’t see your question addressed above, use the form below to submit it, and our team will provide a response or consider it for inclusion in future updates.