MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) – Western Dakota Water System wants to reserve 20,765 acre-feet of water annually from the Missouri River. That’s more than 6.7 billion gallons every year. The amount is based on preliminary water demand projections through the year 2080.
The state Water Management Board voted to present Western Dakota’s request to the Legislature for approval. The process is required by South Dakota law for any appropriation exceeding 10,000 acre feet. If the Legislature does adopt a resolution of approval, the state board then would schedule a formal evidentiary hearing on the Western Dakota future-use application.
Earlier this year, the Legislature adopted a resolution approving a future-use permit for 19,121 acre feet of water from the Missouri: Elk Point Aquifer in southeastern South Dakota sought by Lewis & Clark Regional Water System.