South Dakota is taking additional steps to support livestock producers as drought conditions continue to affect farms and ranches across the state. Governor Larry Rhoden has signed Executive Order 2026-08, providing temporary transportation flexibility to help farmers and ranchers move hay more efficiently during the ongoing drought emergency.

The solution to West River’s vulnerability to drought sounds deceptively simple, like instructions on a pancake mix: Just Add Water.

The engineering team of AE2S, Black and Veatch (BV), and KLJ continues to make great progress on the conceptual designs for water transmission and distribution, as well as a water treatment system.

Mark your calendars for October 21 & 22, as we gather to celebrate our progress, reconnect with fellow members, and address regional water challenges and opportunities together.

Mike Theis brings more than two decades of leadership experience in utility operations, construction, and infrastructure management to the WDRWS. Throughout his career, he has led teams and projects that support essential services and long-term community growth across the region.

STURGIS, S.D. – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor is out and some areas of South Dakota have worsened over the past week.