WDRWS Newsletter
SJR 501: A Step Toward Future Water Security
The Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) has reached a monumental milestone this year, and it’s one our members can take pride in shaping. On March 7, 2025, Governor Larry Rhoden signed Senate Joint Resolution 501 (SJR 501) into law, greenlighting pursuit of a Future Use Permit to draw up to 20,765 acre-feet of water annually from the Missouri River. This achievement isn’t just a win for WDRWS — it’s a bold step toward securing a sustainable water future for western South Dakota, and it’s thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated members, supportive legislators, and key partners. The journey to this moment began long before the 100th Legislative Session kicked off in January 2025. For years, WDRWS has championed the need for reliable
water access in West River, driven by an understanding of our region’s challenges. Studies — like the 2019 South Dakota Mines report and the 2025 U.S. Geological Survey findings — have sounded the alarm: western South Dakota faces a water shortage during drought conditions, a problem compounded by projected population growth and the ever-present risk of dry spells. SJR 501 addresses this head-on by allowing us to reserve water rights from the Missouri River.
As Executive Director Kristin Conzet emphasized, “This is an important first step toward ensuring West River has adequate drinking water for the future. It’s critical that we claim what’s available to us before we find ourselves without enough water.”
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“We cannot afford to delay investments in water infrastructure. The cost of inaction will be far greater than the cost of preparation.”
– Sen. Helene Duhamel
“We can’t have a strong state without reliable drinking water. That’s why I’m proud to have assisted the members of WDRWS secure their future water use permit through SJR 501 this legislative session. Passing this joint resolution keeps the WDRWS project on track, and I look forward to assisting all stakeholders as the project moves forward.”
— Rep. Drew Peterson
Message from Dr. Cheryl Chapman
As I step down from my role as Executive Director of Western Dakota Regional Water System, I want to thank our members, board, and community leaders for making the past four years so successful. Since WDRWS was established as a nonprofit in 2021, we’ve grown from an idea to a thriving alliance, with 39 members joining the effort to bring quality, abundant water to all corners of western South Dakota. This collective effort has laid a strong foundation for a more resilient future for all of us living and working in the region.
Since connecting with water system managers in early 2020 and hearing their challenges, there was no question that we shared a common interest for exploring new water sources. Each conversation reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of this work. Building a new water supply for western South Dakota is a long-term endeavor, a marathon, not a sprint. As I pass the baton to Kristin Conzet, I’m confident her leadership, experience, and passion for water will take WDRWS to the next level. There’s an undeniable strength in numbers, and I believe this organization is strong as it continues to grow. Thank you all for helping move West River toward water resiliency for future generations.
Message from Kristin Conzet
Hello, I’m Kristin Conzet, the new Executive Director for Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS). I’m thrilled to join a project vital to western South Dakota’s future.
A fourth-generation South Dakotan from Fort Pierre, I’ve lived here for 30 years with my husband, Steve, and daughter, Katherine. With a background in small business consulting and legislative service after attending the University of South Dakota, I’m driven by a simple belief: if you love something, you take care of it. I love South Dakota, and leading WDRWS allows me to do just that by ensuring sustainable water for future generations.
I want to thank Dr. Cheryl Chapman for her outstanding
leadership and dedication to WDRWS and the board for trusting me to carry this mission forward. Reliable water is essential for our communities, agriculture, and economy. WDRWS aims to secure a dependable supply of water, but it takes more than planning — it requires collaboration. Our members are the driving force behind this project. They understand that securing a reliable, high-quality water source is essential for the future of western South Dakota. This system is about protecting our region from future water shortages and supporting long-term growth.
Water is the foundation of western South Dakota’s future. With the leadership of our board, the engagement of our members, and the support of communities and individuals across the region, we will make this project a reality. I look forward to working to bring clean, dependable, and sustainable water to western South Dakota.
Recap: Climate and Drought Outlooks with Laura Edwards
On April 4, 2025, WDRWS’s Quarterly Technical Session featured South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards, who shared vital climate and drought insights for western South Dakota. Speaking virtually, Edwards outlined current drought conditions
affecting 100% of the state, with severe impacts in the southwest. Recent April moisture has helped, but forecasts predict warmer, drier conditions through June, with potential drought intensification by summer.
Edwards highlighted long-term trends—South Dakota is warming
2°F per century, with increasing precipitation often in extreme events, posing both flood and drought risks. Her work with the U.S. Drought Monitor and NOAA informs disaster relief and water planning, and she encouraged collaboration with WDRWS for resilience strategies.
Board Updates SJR 501 Cont.
Western Dakota Regional Water System is excited to welcome Bruce Martin, Public Works Director for the City of Box Elder, to our board. With 28 years of experience and a degree in Environmental Management, Bruce has held various public works positions with a passion for water and wastewater utility
management. As the Public Works Director, he is committed to ensuring sustainable infrastructure and essential services for the community while being a responsible steward of our resources. His expertise will be a valuable addition to our team. We also extend our thanks to Doug Curry for his service on the WDRWS board. Doug’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing our mission. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Technical Sessions
Technical sessions are expert-led presentations, covering key topics relevant to WDRWS’s work. To learn more, visit our website.
Funding Programs in Support of Water Systems in South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Andy Bruels, PE, Division Director, Financial and Technical Assistance
Tina McFarling, Environmental Funding Program Administrator
Friday, July 11th at noon mountain time
Future Use Permits exceeding 10,000 acrefeet per year require approval from the South Dakota Legislature. Before reaching the Capitol, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) conducted an in-depth technical review of WDRWS’s application, ensuring it aligned with the state’s water management policies. Support of this bill culminated in Governor Rhoden’s signature, a moment WDRWS President Jake Fitzgerald celebrated: “Thank you to Governor Rhoden, the South Dakota Legislature, DANR, and the Water Management Board for prioritizing water for South Dakotans and planning for the future.”
The next step in the process is final approval from the South Dakota Water Management Board, the entity that issues Future Use Permits.
Individuals and water system organizations of any size are able to support the work of WDRWS. So whether you’re a subdivision, a municipality or an organization who has a stake in our water future, please consider joining. To learn more, visit: wdrws.org/membership
Class 1 Member
Voting member – $1500 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 connections or commercial equivalent or an organization with over 200 residential connections that is fully built out within its jurisdictional territory
Associate Member
We cannot continue to rely on aquifers indefinitely. SJR 501 paves the way for Missouri River water to supplement existing sources. Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) is essential to providing a sustainable water future for western South Dakota.”
— Sen. Randy Deibert
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
WESTERN DAKOTA REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM
WDRWS Timeline
2019
The West Dakota Water Development District received a South Dakota Mines report highlighting water shortages during drought, recommending the renewal of a Missouri River future use permit to deliver water to western Pennington County. This study became the catalyst for WDRWS’s formation.
2020
The West Dakota Water Development District sought feedback on the report and surveyed potential stakeholders, laying the groundwork for a regional water solution.
2021
WDRWS officially incorporated as a non-profit in September, focusing on governance, technical assessments, and funding. We conducted a water use study, were named to the State Water Plan, held our first Annual Meeting and Water Summit, and advertised for an engineering team.
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2022
We submitted a funding application to the state, competitively selected an engineering team (AE2S, Black & Veatch, and KLJ), secured $8M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and began canvassing and feasibility planning to assess system needs and pipe routes.
2023
Memberships opened, allowing communities and water systems to join our alliance. We raised $303,500 in local funds and received a $1M state grant, while continuing to gather data and refine our approach.
2024
WDRWS received a second $1M state grant and additional ARPA funding, finalized a report on water availability, sought Congressional authority for a Reclamation Feasibility Study, evaluated water needs through canvassing data, and prepared conceptual designs for a waterline.
2025
A major milestone was achieved with the passage of SJR 501, signed into law by Governor Rhoden on March 7, authorizing WDRWS to pursue a Future Use Permit for Missouri River water. This sets the stage for final approval by the Water Management Board.
Become a member by filling out this ticket and mailing it to Western Dakota Regional Water System, PO Box 484, Rapid City, SD 57709. You can also join electronically at wdrws.org/membership.