The Fort Pierre City Council has adopted (June 16, 2025) a voluntary even/odd lawn watering schedule that’s in effect through Sept. 30, 2025.
Mayor Gloria Hanson says they’re asking property owners to voluntarily adhere to the schedule to help take the pressure off of Fort Pierre’s water supply during the hottest and driest months of the year.
Hanson says the even/odd voluntary watering schedule does not require people to water EVERY odd or even day. Rather, it identifies the days property owners should choose from when deciding when to water their lawns. Gardens and new grass, however, are exempt from the voluntary watering schedule. Since the schedule is voluntary, no fines or citations will be issued.
Currently, Fort Pierre relies on the West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System for its municipal water supply. According to its water supply contract, Fort Pierre can receive a maximum of 1 million-gallons-per-day. In 2024, the peak demand was 0.956 MGD.
Fort Pierre’s contract with West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System expires in 2032 and it’s anticipated that they won’t have adequate capacity to continue serving Fort Pierre after that. However, Hanson says Fort Pierre and West River/Lyman Jones are members of the Western Dakota Regional Water System– a non-profit organization that plans to deliver water from the Missouri River to communities across mostly western South Dakota.
Signs of overwatering:
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Remains soggy or spongey hours after watering
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Mushrooms, fungi and thick thatch
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Shallow roots
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Water runs onto sidewalk or street
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