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Water worries: Billions needed to keep South Dakota taps flowing

Rural South Dakota relies heavily on small water systems, but plans are underway to expand capacity through a handful of major water providers. The Clay Rural Water System, shown on March 20, 2026, operates near Wakonda, S.D. (Photos: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch)

Compared to several states to the west, South Dakota is not even in the conversation of places in danger of experiencing a water crisis.

Arizona, New Mexico, California and Colorado are increasingly in…