About Us
Leaders with a Vision
In 2021, water leaders from eastern South Dakota initiated discussions on the state’s water development trajectory. Recognizing South Dakota’s arid climate and vulnerability to drought, groundwater availability, as well as the critical importance of water quality and quantity. The idea quickly gained traction. In 2022, the group surveyed South Dakota water systems and researched the complexity, cost, and political challenges of large water projects. After much research, planning, technical advising, and legal council, Dakota Mainstem was officially incorporated in 2023 with 29 initial members. The initial group of 29 has grown to now 50+ members, located in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota with potential for more.
Executive Committee Members
PRESIDENT
RYAN JOHNSON
City of Sioux Falls, SD
VICE PRESIDENT
RON GILLEN
Aurora-Brule Rural Water System
SECRETARY
SCOTT BUSS
Minnehaha Community Water Corporation
TREASURER
BRENT HOFFMANN
Grant-Roberts Rural Water System
OTHER REPRESENTATIVE
* * * VACANT * * *
MUNICIPAL REPRESENTATIVE
ERIC WITT
City of Brookings, SD
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
SCOTT GROSS
Mid-Dakota Rural Water System
Water Systems & Communities Involved
Aurora-Brule Rural Water District
Big Sioux Community Water District
Brookings-Deuel Rural Water System
B-Y Water District
Clark Rural Water System
Clay Rural Water System
Davison Rural Water System
Grant-Roberts Rural Water System
Hanson Rural Water System
Kingbrook Rural Water System
Lewis & Clark Regional Water System
Lincoln County Rural Water System
Mid-Dakota Rural Water System
Minnehaha Community Water Corporation
Randall Community Water District
Sioux Rural Water System
South Lincoln Rural Water System
TM Rural Water District
Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water
Red Rock Rural Water System
Rock County Rural Water District
Iowa Lakes Regional Water
Lyon & Sioux Rural Water System
Osceola County Rural Water System
West Central Iowa Rural Water Association
Santee Sioux Tribe
City of Brandon
City of Brookings
City of Colton
City of Crooks
City of Dell Rapids
City of Huron
City of Hartford
City of Harrisburg
City of Humbolt
City of Lennox
City of Madison
City of Milbank
City of Mitchell
City of Parker
City of Salem
City of Sioux Falls
City of Tea
City of Valley Springs
City of Vermillion
City of Watertown
City of Yankton
City of Luverne
City of Worthington
City of Orange City
City of Sanborn
City of Sheldon
City of Sibley
City of Sioux Center
City of Rock Rapids
Consultant Team
HDR | Lead Engineer
Bartlett & West | Partner
Banner & Associates | Partner
DGR Engineering | Partner
Pinpoint Corporation | Owner’s Representative