RAPID CITY, SD – A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has prompted public discussion about water availability in the Black Hills, but a city official is reassuring residents of the security of Rapid City’s water supply.
Eric Boyda, Rapid City’s water superintendent, addressed the findings of the USGS study, emphasizing the city’s diverse and reliable water sources. According to Boyda, Rapid City’s water is a mix of approximately 83% surface water from Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek and 17% groundwater from the Minnelusa and Madison Aquifers.
The USGS study raised concerns about the potential over-appropriation of groundwater in the Rapid City area. Boyda clarified that the city’s water rights are senior to more recent applications. This means that if groundwater rights were to be reduced, other entities with junior rights would be affected before the city.
A recent Water Utility System Master Plan Update concluded that the city’s existing water rights portfolio is sufficient to meet projected growth through the year 2115.
Boyda noted that future projects are necessary to treat and convey the water the city already has rights to use. These projects, which include upgrades to aged facilities, are funded through the current City of Rapid City rate structure. The city is also actively seeking to acquire additional senior surface water rights and has future-use water rights from the Missouri River, which could be accessed through a potential future project.
Rapid City officials say they remain committed to proactive planning and sustainable water management to ensure long-term water security for the growing community in South Dakota.