East Dakota Water Development District named Friend of Rural Water 

Madison, SD – The South Dakota Association of Rural Water

Systems (SDARWS) recently awarded The East Dakota Water

Development District (EDWDD) with the “Friend of Rural Water”

Award at their Annual Technical Conference in Pierre on January

11, 2018. This distinguished honor is awarded to agencies,

organizations, or individuals who have lent a hand in supporting

the fantastic phenomenon we call rural water. The ability to

provide life’s essential need, water, to all the citizens of South

Dakota was not done by one person or organization; it was a

collective effort encompassing many.

East Dakota Water Development District has been a long‐time

supporter of improving water quality and supply in South Dakota.

They supported the responsible development of Rural Water

Systems and SDARWS for many years. EDWDD was an integral

player in providing funds during the authorization process for

Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. They have also supported

the development of wellhead protection areas for rural water

well fields, supported the purchase of wellhead protection land by

rural water systems, supported engineering feasibility studies for

rural water systems, supported the purchase of GPS and Valve‐

exercising equipment for the SDARWS, and continue to support

educational endeavors such as “Quality on Tap!” magazine

produced by SDARWS, along with the Big Sioux and Sioux Empire

Water Festivals. Currently, they are continuing research into nitrate

levels in the Big Sioux River and adjacent aquifer.