(Pierre, SD) — Water management officials are starting to get concerned about water levels in local aquifers. The Big Sioux Aquifer and the Minnehaha County Water Corp are already starting to turn away potential high-water-usage employers to keep resources available to residential and municipal customers. A 2025 geological survey shows the aquifers in the northern Black Hills communities are not replenishing as fast as they were in the past. To quell the issue, Rapid City officials have already enacted water use restrictions. Also, the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System is seeking approval on a 10-billion dollar pipeline to pump water from the Missouri River throughout the state.
