Aug. 13, 2026:
The Mni Wiconi pipeline repair work is completed to the point that the West River Lyman Jones Rural Water System has returned to normal operation.
WR/LJ members may now return to the every-other-day watering schedule.
In Fort Pierre, Mni Wiconi has repaired two of the three leaks in their water line so the City has lifted the NO LAWN WATERING restriction. A reminder that the odd/even lawn watering schedule is in effect in Fort Pierre until September 30, 2026.
In Mellette County, an overnight (Aug. 12-13, 2026) storm brought down numerous electrical poles. Due to resulting power outages, portions of the WR/LJ water system have been unable to pump water normally. Generators are currently powering pump stations while the electric cooperatives continue working to replace damaged poles and restore power. WR/LJ is asking customers located in Mellette County, to please continue to conserve water and avoid non-essential water use until further notice.
Aug. 12, 2026:
The West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System is asking its customers to continue conserving water Wednesday (Aug. 12, 2026) while the Mni Wiconi Water Treatment Plant works to seal one of the repairs the company made yesterday to one of its pipelines.
Mni Wiconi restored service to its customers last night (Aug. 11), however, a welded band on one of the repairs didn’t completely seal. Crews are attempting to complete the work Wednesday without shutting the pipeline shutdown.
WR/LJ is asking members to continue avoiding using water for non-essential purposes until the company receives word the final repairs are finished. As water service is restored throughout the Mni Wiconi and WR/LJ systems, customers may notice temporary discoloration of their water. This is normal as the system returns to regular operation.
WR/LJ thanks people for their continued patience, cooperation and water conservation efforts.
Aug. 11, 2026, update:
Because one of the leaks being repaired Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2026) on the Mni Wiconi Rural Water System pipeline in Fort Pierre is in a challenging location, the construction crew fixing the water line will be working into the evening hours.
According to the West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System, because of the extended shutdown, some areas of their system– most likely areas in Mellette County and Jackson County– may experience temporary water service interruptions this evening. Other areas of the WR/LJ system may also be impacted, depending on the length of the shutdown.
While all of the repairs to the Mni Wiconi line are being made, Fort Pierre has put a water use restriction in place until further notice (Aug. 10, 2026 at 5pm) because the town is using water from its storage tank. To minimize issues with supply– including for fire protection– NO LAWN WATERING is allowed and customers should limit other unnecessary water usage until the restriction is lifted.
All Mni Wiconi and West River/Lyman Jones customers in the areas between Fort Pierre and Vivian, and north and south of Interstate 90 from Oacoma to Kadoka are asked to use water wisely. Your cooperation will help maintain reliable service while repairs are completed.
Aug. 11, 2026:
A water use restriction is in place in Fort Pierre until further notice (Aug. 10, 2026 at 5pm) while Mni Wiconi repairs leaks on their water line that serves the town.
Water is shut off today (Aug. 11, 2026) and Fort Pierre is using water from its storage water supply. To minimize issues with supply– including for fire protection– NO LAWN WATERING is allowed and customers should limit other unnecessary water usage until the restriction is lifted.
Anyone with questions can contact the Fort Pierre City Office at 605-223-7690. City officials thank water customers for their cooperation.
Aug. 7, 2026
The Mni Wiconi South Core Pipeline will be temporarily shut down on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) to complete emergency repairs.
This repair will affect all communities and rural areas between Fort Pierre and Vivian, as well as areas north and south of the Interstate 90 corridor between Oacoma and Kadoka.
During the shutdown, the water system will rely on reservoir storage to meet demand. To help ensure an adequate water supply throughout the repair, West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water asks all members and community residents to conserve water on Tuesday by postponing outdoor watering, filling chemical sprayers and other non-essential water use.
All Mni Wiconi and West River/Lyman Jones customers in the affected area are asked to please keep water conservation in mind and use water wisely while the repairs are being made on Tuesday. Your cooperation will help maintain reliable service while repairs are completed.
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
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