Environment & Climate
Heat and drought deplete shallow wells across western South Dakota
Rural households and ranches are hauling water as low precipitation and heavy usage strain Black Hills aquifers.
The short version
- Prolonged heat and consecutive years of low snowpack and rain have caused shallow private wells to run dry across western South Dakota.
- Rural residents and livestock owners outside municipal pipe networks are relying on commercial haulers and self-serve bulk water spigots to meet daily needs.
- A recent study cited by experts indicates groundwater extraction in some Black Hills sub-aquifers is outpacing natural recharge rates, raising concerns over long-term water security.
Key facts
- Consecutive years of below-average winter snowpack and rainfall, paired with increased summer consumption, have lowered groundwater levels across the Black Hills region.[Associated Press]
- Rural residents and ranchers with dry shallow wells are increasingly relying on commercial bulk water haulers and self-service water vending stations located in municipalities like Rapid City.[Associated Press]
- According to former USGS director Mark Anderson, a recent USGS study showed that water withdrawal in several Black Hills sub-aquifers is exceeding recharge rates.[Associated Press]
- Some residents in Ashland Heights southwest of Ellsworth Air Force Base already haul water due to pre-existing PFAS contamination in their local groundwater.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The long-term sustainability of the regional aquifer recharge capacity remains uncertain as regional population growth increases demand amidst persistent dry conditions.[Associated Press]