RAPID CITY, SD – The City of Rapid City’s water superintendent, Eric Boyda, has provided assurances that the community’s water supply is secure following a recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study on Black Hills water. Boyda addressed public discussion and questions by confirming the city has a sufficient quantity and quality of water.
According to Boyda, Rapid City’s water supply is a diverse and resilient mix. The city’s water rights portfolio currently has enough capacity to meet projected growth through 2115. On average, the water mix includes 83 percent surface or stored water from Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek and 17 percent groundwater from the Minnelusa and Madison Aquifers.
The USGS study raised concerns about potential over-appropriation of groundwater. However, Boyda explained that the city’s groundwater rights are generally senior, which offers greater protection under water law. If all entities with senior rights were to utilize their full allocations, entities with junior rights would be reduced or cut off before Rapid City.
Boyda stated that the city’s balanced mix of water sources provides flexibility to deliver reliable water service, even during periods of drought. This is paired with responsible water use and watering restrictions. The city also continues to pursue the acquisition of senior surface water rights to strengthen long-term resilience. A potential future project to bring water from the Missouri River would allow the city to access its future-use water rights.
To ensure long-term water security for the growing community in South Dakota, the Water Division has planned future projects to aid in the treatment of surface water, wells, and conveyance. These projects are necessary to obtain, treat, and convey the water that the city already has rights to use and are funded through the existing rate structure. The city remains committed to proactive planning and sustainable water management.