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Major aquifers in South Dakota in decline, threatening fresh water supplies
USGS data show steady declines in Black Hills wells as drought and rising water use leave some rural systems unable to add new customers.
- Persistent drought and rising water demand are depleting South Dakota's aquifers and surface waters, with Bear Butte Lake near Sturgis now nearly gone after water levels dropped significantly this year to depths measured in inches instead of the typical 15 feet.
- Lingering drought, population growth, and heavy agricultural usage are straining water resources statewide. Jay Gilbertson, manager of the Brookings-based East Dakota Water Development District, called it "a statewide issue," warning that aquifer recharge rates cannot keep pace with demand.
- Powertech USA proposes drilling 1,000 wells into the Inyan Kara aquifer to extract uranium, a project that would remove nearly 89 million gallons of water annually from already-stressed local sources.
- Rural water systems estimate expansion projects could total $13 billion over coming decades, as the state increasingly looks toward the Missouri River as a nearly inexhaustible source for future population and agricultural growth.
- Gilbertson warned that "if we continue to draw too much water, we're going to be in trouble," cautioning that future growth may reach a point where new residents must bring their own water to South Dakota.
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Associated Press News+14 Reposted by 14 other sources
Major aquifers in South Dakota in decline, threatening fresh water supplies
Geologists and hydrologists can use scientific charts and graphs to understand the increasing water challenges facing South Dakota, but it only takes a brief visit to Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis for a non-scientist to see the outcome of decreasing water levels.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Left
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources lean Left
72% Left
L 72%
14%
14%
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