South Dakota Senate passes resolution approving future use water permit application for the Western Dakota Regional Water System

PIERRE, SD- (South Dakota Public Broadcasting)— The South Dakota Senate has passed a resolution that would bring Missouri River water to drought-prone communities, mostly on the western side of the state.

Senate Joint Resolution 501 would allow the Western Dakota Regional Water System to pump water from the Missouri River near Fort Pierre to 20 different counties. Those are Gregory, Haakon, Hughes, Jackson, Jones, Lyman, Stanley, Todd, Tripp, Bennett, Butte, Custer, Fall River, Harding, Lawrence, Meade, Mellette, Oglala Lakota, Pennington and Perkins.

Sen. Helene Duhamel of Rapid City says the goal is to help meet growing water demand in the region.

A study by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology highlighted the need for more reliable water sources. However, the project faces significant challenges, including a multi-billion dollar price tag, and questions about its environmental and economic impacts.

Sen. Randy Diebert from Spearfish says action is needed because the project will take decades to reach completion.

If approved, the project could pump 20,765 acre-feet of water annually the participating counties.

The bill has not yet been assigned to a House Committee.