July 21, 2026:
Because of ongoing severe drought conditions and to ensure an adequate water supply is available for essential domestic and livestock use, the West River/Lyman-Jones Rural Water System has implemented mandatory outdoor watering restrictions for all of its customers.
These restrictions– which include the town of Fort Pierre– are effective immediately (July 21, 2026) and will remain in effect through September 30, 2026.
Outdoor watering of lawns, trees, gardens and landscaped areas is permitted only under the following schedule:
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watering hours– 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
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even-numbered physical addresses– water only on even-numbered days of the month.
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odd-numbered physical addresses– water only on odd-numbered days of the month.
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no outdoor watering is permitted on the 31st day of any month.
Exceptions to the mandatory outdoor water conservation restrictions include:
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manual watering using a handheld hose, bucket, watering can or similar container.
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water use for domestic household needs.
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water use for livestock.
WR/LJ is operating at maximum capacity and appreciates their customers’ cooperation in conserving water and using the available supply as efficiently as possible. The company will continue to monitor weather conditions and system demands. If drought conditions persist or worsen, additional water conservation measures, including stricter outdoor water restrictions, may be implemented.
For updates, check or call the:
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West River/Lyman Jones office in Murdo at 605-669-2931
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Fort Pierre City Office at 605-223-7690
July 17, 2026:
A mandatory water use restriction is in effect in Fort Pierre while the West River/Lyman-Jones and Mni Wiconi Rural Water Systems try to keep up with demand caused by triple digit temperatures in the forecast for the next several days.
Both water systems are pumping at maximum capacity, but the mandatory outside watering restriction has been put into effect to ensure water is available for people, medical facilities, businesses, livestock, fire protection and other primary needs.
The water restriction will remain in effect until further notice. Until it is lifted:
- No filling pools.
- No using irrigation systems for lawn or tree watering.
- However, manual watering with a handheld hose, bucket, sprinkling can or other similar container is allowed.
- No washing vehicles.
- No washing pavement or other large outdoor surfaces.
- No filling spray tanks.
- No using water for other unnecessary purposes.
For updates, check or call the:
- West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System website
- West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System Facebook page
- City of Fort Pierre Facebook page
- West River/Lyman Jones office in Murdo at 605-669-2931
- Fort Pierre City Office at 605-223-7690
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