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)

Water levels in Pactola Reservoir in the Black Hills of South Dakota -- a main source of drinking water for Rapid City -- were far lower than normal on April 21, 2025.