Sioux Rural Water Dedication:

The dedication of Sioux Rural Water System, Inc. celebrates the successful completion of one of the most beneficial rural water projects ever undertaken in this area. Over 4 1/2 years of effort involving hundreds of individuals; farmers, rural residents, towns people, businessmen, engineers and contractors have culminated in the construction of this system.

We would like to thank all of the people who labored to make this rural water system a reality. Also, we would like to salute each and every Association member for his or her dedication to this dream. A dream of good quality water. A dream that is no longer a dream but is reality!

System Background:

Poor water, both in quality and quantity has been one of the major problems facing rural residents of Hamlin, Codington, Clark and Deuel Counties in Eastern South Dakota.  The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 20".   About 16" comes during the crop season.  In an effort to improve the available water supply for household & livestock consumption, the farmers banded together in 1972 forming the Sioux Rural Water Association.

The engineering firm of DeWild Grant Reckert & Associates was engaged in March, 1972 to perform a system feasibility study & preliminary design work.  The study was financed by a $25.00 good intention fee collected from all Association members.  The feasibility study was completed in late September, 1972 and indicated favorable conditions for developing the proposed water system.  The association's Board of Directors approved the study & directed the engineer to proceed with final design & preparation of Plans & Specifications.  Following approval of the Association's Board & funding agencies, bid lettings were held in May & September, 1972 & June, 1975.  Construction work began in fall of 1974 & completed in the fall of 1976.

Final construction cost for the system was $3,962,000.00 with 76% of this cost for construction of the distribution pipeline.  The total project cost was at $4,440,000.00.  The cost was paid for by a partial FmHA grant, a 40-year loan from FmHA, a grant from the State of South Dakota, & by user membership fees.  The cost of operation & loan payments will be made through water use revenues.