South Dakota's water woes - 80% fails quality standards

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota faces a pressing environmental challenge, as the latest state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources report reveals an alarming level of pollution in its waters.

The 2024 report, part of the federal Clean Water Act's requirements, indicates that approximately 80% of the state's tested rivers, streams, and lakes do not meet the necessary standards for at least one of their intended uses, such as fishing, swimming, or irrigation.

This concerning statistic remains consistent with findings from the previous 2022 report, signaling an ongoing issue that affects not only the environment but also the residents' quality of life and the agricultural sector.

The state boasts over 11,929 miles of rivers and streams, with an additional 135,128 miles that are seasonally dry. Of these, 6,148 miles were evaluated, and only 22% were found to support all designated uses.

Pollution sources include excessive soil and solid runoff into water bodies and E. coli contamination, primarily from livestock and wildlife waste.

Lakes are particularly affected by mercury in fish, a problem exacerbated by atmospheric mercury from coal combustion and other human activities. Agricultural runoff, laden with sediment and nutrients, is identified as the significant cause of nonpoint source pollution in lakes.

The public's feedback on the draft report, including comments from the Environmental Protection Agency and Jay Gilbertson of the East Dakota Water Development District, called for clearer data presentation and questioned the state's reliance on voluntary pollution prevention efforts.

Gilbertson's observations led to minor adjustments in the report's wording and highlighted concerns about interdepartmental data sharing and the efficacy of current water quality improvement measures.

Despite the findings, there are efforts underway to improve water quality, such as incentivizing better livestock waste management and the establishment of grass buffers along waterways like the Big Sioux River.

These initiatives represent a glimmer of hope in addressing South Dakota's water quality issues, underlining the importance of continued environmental stewardship and proactive measures to safeguard the state's water resources for future generations.

Photo Credit -environment-protection-agency