Why source water from the Missouri River over groundwater in South Dakota?

The Missouri River accounts for 80% of all the flowing water in SD. The prospect of accessing additional groundwater in the future is complicated by its variable quality, which makes collection and treatment challenging, the river’s storage capacity and water quality is unmatched. 

What will the initial needs assessment include?

The needs assessment will explore the following:

What are the needs?

What are the alternatives?

What are the environmental impacts?

What are the cultural impacts?

Site and route determination

Best practices and design

Treated water

Pipeline materials

Pumping and storage

Financing options

How will this affect residents of South Dakota?

First and foremost, the project will provide an abundant supply of clean, safe water to areas in need. The project will also create a sustainable model to address growth, boost economic development, and support water-intensive businesses in our state.

Why is Dakota Mainstem the most appropriate solution?

The Missouri River is a known commodity due to its high quality and abundance. We have the resources necessary to draw, treat, and distribute water from the river. In the long term, this solution will save a great deal of money and time. 

Why is it important that we act quickly?

Other arid states, up stream, downstream and out of the river basin are already exploring how to use the Missouri River to service their own communities. South Dakota needs to claim Its right the vast resource that flows right through our state.

How will sourcing from the Missouri River effect water quality?

The Missouri River is of naturally high quality. When treated as a surface water source, it can easily be made into clean, healthy drinking water. Other large regional water systems In the state have already proved this to be true.

Do we have evidence that this will work?

The WEB Water Development Association, Mid-Dakota Rural Water System, Mni Wiconi, Randall Community Water District, and Lewis and Clark Regional Water Systems have all successfully used the Missouri River to replenish communities in the region. These organizations give us a model for how we can distribute the river's water on a larger scale.