SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
annual report
How We Create A Sustainable Water-Secure Future For Western South Dakota
GREETINGS A YEAR OF POSITIVE MOMENTUM
Whether the 2024 Annual Report just arrived in the mail, or you picked up a copy at our Annual Meeting, thank you for your interest in WDRWS.
Our top policy priority is Congressional Authorization for a U.S Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) Feasibility Study. Our work in preparing portions of the feasibility study is moving forward, but the official authorization is a prerequisite for future funding for a new bulk water system for Western South Dakota.
To that end we continue to seek federal authorization for the WDRWS feasibility study with two potential paths forward, both requiring Congressional action. The first is the reauthorization of the Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2006. In June 2024, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
introduced a bill to reauthorize the Act, which would provide authorization to Reclamation to undertake feasibility studies for the design and construction of rural water supply projects, such as WDRWS. If the bill passes, the program would be authorized for eight more years. The second path is a stand-alone bill to authorize WDRWS to conduct an official Reclamation feasibility study. Either route works and we thank the entire Congressional delegation for their initiative and support to authorize the WDRWS Feasibility Study. Funding development for the $13M feasibility study is proceeding on schedule. We thank the South Dakota Legislature for their unwavering commitment to water funding over the past
three years. Together with the support of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, we have received $10.2M through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $2M from the State Water Resources Management System (SWRMS) fund. Additionally, many of our members, including West River communities, water systems, and organizations, have contributed more than $300,000 in required matching funds for the SWRMS grants. We are just shy of our goal.
This year the United States Geological Survey (USGS) wrapped up a Black Hills Hydrology Study. The comprehensive effort covers the years 1931 through 2022 and includes water use trends. It also includes updates to the recharge and budget estimates for the Madison and Minnelusa Aquifers. Perhaps most importantly, the report
provides updated water availability estimates. All this data is crucial for the ongoing development of WDRWS. We sincerely thank USGS for the thorough study of West River’s water needs and for presenting the results at our Annual Meeting.
Thank you to our members and the communities that welcomed WDRWS by hosting informational sessions and open house events in 2024. Contact WDRWS if your community, water system, or organization would like to learn more about WDRWS.
We hope you find the Annual Report interesting and informative. As always, we invite you to join the conversation about this historic project to keep our positive momentum going forward.
Doug Curry Board President
Cheryl Chapman, Ph.D, PE Executive Director
Meet the Board Members
Doug Curry, President Public Works Director, City of Box Elder
Dale Tech, Secretary/ Treasurer Public Works Director, City of Rapid City
Jake Fitzgerald Manager, West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System
Teresa Hall Representative, City of New Underwood
Jim Martin Manager, Colonial Pine Hills Sanitary District
Adam McMahon Public Works Director, City of Spearfish
Todd Williamson Operator, Butte-Meade Sanitary Water District
Follow us on Facebook In 2024, we launched the WDRWS Facebook page. Scan the QR code above to follow WDRWS on Facebook.
Social media is one of the easiest ways to keep up with the latest developments with WDRWS.
605-519-7333
Stewardship
Black Hills Hydrology Study
The results of the new USGS study are vital to the work of WDRWS.
The most recent USGS Black Hills Hydrology Study wrapped up in 2024. The comprehensive effort covers the years 1931 through 2022 and includes water use trends. Since the USGS’s last water use evaluation update completed through 1998, groundwater use has increased a modest one percent. In comparison, the population in the Black Hills region has increased 20 percent over that same time frame.
Of particular interest to WDRWS, the USGS report provides updated water availability estimates. Recharge rates to Black Hills regional aquifers have increased approximately 10 percent over the past 20 years, from 22 billion gallons to 24 billion
gallons. While that trend is encouraging, WDRWS is working with USGS to reliably understand water availability and the region’s vulnerability to prolonged drought conditions. Specifically, what would the regional water availability look like during an extended drought period similar to a 1930’s era drought? For example, in 1936, groundwater recharge was estimated at only seven billion gallons. Several consecutive years of limited recharge would have significant impacts on regional water availability. Understanding these limitations is critical to providing a reliable longterm water supply.
This map, from the USGS study, depicts nine subareas (or zones) of the groundwater of the western South Dakota. Understanding these zones help answer the question of how much water is available each year and where it is located.
Western Dakota Regional Water System Statement of Financial Position – Modified Cash Basis – December 31, 2023
2,281,041.38 CHANGE
(88,678.55)
112,418.52
$ 23,739.97
The Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) recently completed its first federal audit, successfully meeting or exceeding all requirements.
Expertise & Community SECURING THE FUTURE
Box Elder is a community that exemplifies a growth mindset; one that is planning for a future that ensures access to quality and abundant water.
Doug Curry is the Director of Public Works of the City of Box Elder. He also serves on the board of Western Dakota Regional Water System as President.
Box Elder is a growing community in western South Dakota of approximately 14,512. This number does not include Ellsworth Air Force Base. Like many other municipalities throughout the country, Box Elder is taking action to ensure that their community has a secure water future.
Keeping up with growth
As Public Works Director, Curry gets a front row seat to the resource challenges and opportunities of his community.
In recent years, Box Elder has experienced exponential growth from a variety of sources, and the city’s water supply has kept up.
“Box Elder is sitting pretty good right now,” Curry said, “with our three wells, plus a fourth coming on line in 2025. This is in addition to our interconnected
systems with Rapid City and soon to be Rapid Valley.”
A Growing Future
The growth Box Elder has seen over the last ten years or so has been organic, meaning that the impact of B-21 personnel has not yet been seen. The City of Box Elder is busy preparing for continued organic growth, as well as the anticipated arrival of an estimated 3,800-plus personnel and their families.
Curry and an increasing number of people in western South Dakota
Doug Curry is the Public Works Director of Box Elder. He also serves as the Board President of WDRWS.
have arrived at the realization that future water security is not a guarantee without intentional action.
“Not if, but when we have a drought that lasts for multiple years, coupled with our exploding population, the models show that we are not going to be able to meet those needs let alone keep up with the future growth that we’re anticipating,” Curry explained.
Opportunities
But Curry doesn’t necessarily view these challenges as a problem.
Rather, he sees them as opportunities. “It's a wonderful place to be, and I would not be doing my job if I wasn't looking to the future and asking ‘what if’ and ‘how do we prevent that from happening.’”
This kind of forward-thinking is the reason that Curry and others have chosen to be a part of WDRWS.
We'd like to express our gratitude to the community of Box Elder for hosting the 2024 WDRWS Annual Meeting.
Stay informed on Box Elder For the latest on City of Box Elder projects, initiatives and more, visit boxeldersd.us or follow the City's social media profiles.
WDRWS Membership Join now!
Individuals and water systems of any size are able to support the work of WDRWS. The membership and support structure allows a variety of groups to take part. Whether you’re a subdivision, a municipality or an organization who has an interest in our water future, please consider joining.
Western Dakota Regional Water System is a grassroots effort, comprised of active water systems, delivering drinking water to their constituents. When South Dakota Mines published their report for the West Dakota Water Development District in 2019, the findings caught systems’ attention. Drought and other factors could have a major impact on water availability for the populations they serve. The systems decided to come together to do something about it. The best way to engage is to join the effort and be part of the conversation. There is no commitment at this time, but being at the table is essential to the success of a future WDRWS bulk system.
Current Benefits to Members:
All Members:
Attend the Annual Meeting
Receive quarterly newsletter
Receive notices
Voting Members can vote on: Business items Board members
Class 1 Member
Voting member — $1,500 annual dues
An organization with at least 200 residential connections or commercial equivalent
Class 2 Member
Voting member — $750 annual dues
An organization with less than 200 residential connections or commercial equivalent or an organization with over 200 residential connections that is fully built out within its jurisdictional territory
Associate Member
Non-voting member — $375 annual dues
Any firm, corporation, political entity, or subdivision not eligible to be a voting member but desiring to support WDRWS
Supporting Individual
Non-member — $50 annual dues
Any individual or interested party desiring to support WDRWS
Current Members & Contributors
Class I MembersVoting
West River/ Lyman Jones
City of Rapid City
City of Box Elder
City of Spearfish
Rapid Valley Sanitary District
Bear Butte Water District
Butte-Meade Sanitary District
Southern Black Hills Water System
Fall River Water User District
Town of Hermosa
City of Custer
City of Martin
City of Ft. Pierre
City of New Underwood
City of Newell
City of Belle Fourche
Class II MembersVoting
Colonial Pine Hills
City of Edgemont
Associate Members
Pennington County Meade County
Elevate Rapid City
West Dakota Water Development District
West River Water Development District
West River Electric Association
Weston Heights Homeowners Association
City of Whitewood
Black Hawk Water Users District
KLJ Engineering
City of Oelrichs
Supporting Individuals
Rep Rocky Blare
Commissioner Gary and Bobbi Drewes
Roger Johnsen
Barbara Williamson
Membership Briefings
The WDRWS Board hosts Membership Briefings quarterly to update members on the business of WDRWS.
The sessions are held on the first Friday of the second month of each quarter.
▼ November 1, 2024
▼ February 7, 2025
▼ May 2, 2025
▼ August 1, 2025
▼ November 7, 2025
Expertise & Community
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Afeasibility study is an essential tool used to determine if a water project is both costeffective and represents the Federal interest. It evaluates various aspects of the project, including economic, technical, and environmental factors, to ensure it meets all necessary criteria for federal support. WDRWS is currently seeking federal authorization to conduct a feasibility study.
A bill introduced by Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) would reauthorize the Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2006 and Rural Water Supply Program. The legislation would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to undertake the design and construction of rural water supply projects to deliver drinking water to rural communities in western states. Under the Rural Water Supply Program, the Bureau of Reclamation could develop and recommend rural water supply projects.
However, in lieu of reauthorization of the Rural Water Supply Act,
WDRWS requires specific authorization from Congress. This authorization would enable the Bureau of Reclamation to evaluate the project’s feasibility and determine if it should be recommended for construction authorization.
Securing authorization is critical for WDRWS to effectively utilize existing funding and advance the project. Without it, the feasibility study cannot proceed, potentially delaying or jeopardizing the entire project. This step is vital to ensuring that WDRWS can continue to work towards providing reliable water supplies to the communities it serves.
WDRWS was formed in late 2021 and preliminary work regarding feasibility for regional water service across western South Dakota began in 2022. Evaluations include water demands throughout the region, potential Missouri River intake locations, and pipeline routing from the Missouri River. The initial study’s findings will play a crucial role in deciding how the project will move forward. It is projected to be completed by the end of 2026.
From Senator Rounds: "Access to clean water in rural areas is critical for South Dakotans. Authorizing each project individually causes these systems to get bogged down in unnecessary bureaucratic processes. Renewing the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to study and authorize rural water systems will help deliver clean water by eliminating the need to authorize each project individually."
The Facts
Quarterly Technical Sessions
Technical sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more about important technical issues associated with ensuring an abundant, quality water supply for western South Dakota.
Scan to sign up to attend upcoming Technical Sessions via Zoom, or visit the website to sign up: https://wdrws.org/material/ category/technical-session
Friday, October 4th at noon, MDT The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and How It Applies to WDRWS, with James “Ken” McCarron, Ph.D., WDRWS Environmental Lead
Friday, January 10th at noon, MST Preview of Key Issues in the 2025 Legislature, with Western South Dakota Legislators
Friday, April 4th at noon, MDT Climate and Drought Outlooks for the State of South Dakota, with by Laura Edwards, South Dakota State Climatologist
Friday, July 11th at noon, MDT Funding Programs in Support of Water Systems in South Dakota, with Andy Bruels, PE, Division Director, Financial and Technical Assistance; and Tina McFarling, Environmental Funding Program Administrator; South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)
0.5 Ounce Per 1 Gallon
If the Missouri River was a one gallon bucket, the water needed for western South Dakota would be 0.5 ounces.
Nearly five years ago, a study from SD Mines concluded that during extended drought conditions, western South Dakota’s current water supply wouldn’t be sufficient enough to sustain its current population.
These findings served as the catalyst for the founding of WDRWS. Today, we’re happy to see continued growth in our membership and progress occuring. Please join us in reviewing a few of the highlights of the project so far.
2019
• West Dakota Water Development District receives SD Mines report, recommending renewal of Missouri River future use permit and implementation of project to deliver water to western Pennington County.
2020
• West Dakota Water Development District seeks feedback on report
• Survey of potential stakeholders; informational meetings
• Recommendations: governance, technical assessment, and funding
2021
• Water use study
• Incorporate new non-profit in September 2021
• Named on the State Water Plan
• 1st Annual Meeting and Water Summit
• Advertise for engineer
2022
• Submit funding application to state
• Competitively select engineering team: AE2S, Black & Veatch, and KLJ
• Receive $8M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
• Begin canvassing and feasibility planning
2023
• Open memberships
• Receive $1M state grant
• Raise $303,500 in local funds and dues
• Canvassing meetings
• Gathering system’s data and determining needs
• Research intake & pipe route options
• SD Mines updates water demand projections
2024
• Receive 2nd $1M state grant
• Receive additional $2.2M in ARPA Funding
• USGS finalizes report on water availability
• Seek Congressional authorization for Reclamation Feasability Study
• Evaluate water needs based on canvassing data