By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially approved the 2026 South Dakota Surface Water Quality Assessment Report, marking another important step in protecting the state's lakes, rivers, and streams.
The approval recognizes South Dakota’s continued efforts to monitor water quality, restore impaired waterways, and support healthy water resources through science-based management.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) presents this year's report in a newly designed interactive Story Map. The updated format makes it easier for residents, landowners, and community leaders to view water quality information, monitoring data, pollutant details, and individual waterbody assessments. It also improves public access to information used in statewide water management decisions.
“Water quality is a critical issue in South Dakota, and the report guides how we protect and restore our waterways,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “EPA’s approval underscores the efforts of our staff and partners and confirms that through monitoring, science-based decision making, and locally lead projects we can make measurable improvements.”
The 2026 report highlights encouraging improvements across South Dakota. A total of 38 waterbodies has been removed from the state's impaired waters list after meeting all required water quality standards. These include 14 streams and 24 lakes that now fully support their designated beneficial uses.
The report also shows that several waters have improved because of successful watershed restoration projects, targeted monitoring programs, and partnerships that reduce sediment, nutrient pollution, and bacteria. The Story Map allows users to clearly see where conservation efforts and local investments have produced measurable results.
While progress continues, the report identifies 198 waterbodies or segments that still require Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development. These include 96 stream segments and 102 lakes. TMDLs help determine how much pollution a waterbody can safely receive while continuing to meet state water quality standards, providing guidance for future restoration efforts.
DANR will continue working with local communities, volunteer monitoring groups, water development districts, universities, and federal agencies to improve water quality throughout South Dakota.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: South Dakota, General