It turns out that the condition of the ground and the well infrastructure under the Flaming Fountain by Capitol Lake in Pierre is in better condition than had been previously thought.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration Commissioner Darin Seeley told the state legislature’s Executive Board this week (Aug. 12, 2025) that new technology allowed them to get a camera to the bottom of the well last fall.
Seely said they need to find an alternate water source for the Flaming Fountain so they’re exploring ways to possibly use the water in Capitol Lake.
However, Seely said the water in Capitol Lake has a high salt content so they’d have to filter some of that out before using it to irrigate the grass. He says getting water from the Missouri River also presents challenges.
Seely said concern about invasive species such as zebra mussels getting into Capitol Lake is another concern they have about using water from the Missouri River.
During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers passed HB 1131 which allocated $3 million for the restoration, maintenance and repair of any state capitol building historic area or object, meaning:
- The hallways of the first, second, third, and fourth floors;
- The rotunda;
- The chambers of the Supreme Court;
- The legislative chambers and lobbies;
- The reception area traditionally used by the Governor; and
- Any mural, painting, statue, or decoration created for or attached to the state capitol building.
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