A New way forward.
CHANGING THE WATER PARADIGM
Over 50 independent water providers collaborating in an effort to build water security for the upper Midwest.
The Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System is emerging as a pivotal infrastructure endeavor to tackle the pressing challenges of water scarcity and quality in the Upper Midwest. Regional water systems and municipalities spanning three states and one Native nation and working together to provide a new water source – high-quality, abundant, and drought-resistant – to cities, towns, and farms in the upper Midwest. Without action today, these challenges could limit their ability to grow, compete, and thrive in the years ahead.
VISION FOR COMPREHENSIVE WATER SOLUTIONS.
Across the upper Midwest, municipalities, small towns, Native nations, and agricultural communities are confronting growing water challenges. Dakota Mainstem’s members, spanning South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and a Native nation sharing borders with Nebraska, need alternate and supplemental water to:
Improve communities' resilience and sustainability.
Combat health and safety concerns related to water scarcity and quality.
Support new population and economic development.
Provide agricultural sustainability.
WHY DAKOTA MAINSTEM?
The mission of Dakota Mainstem is to provide clean, safe, and sustainable water to wholesale providers in the upper Midwest so that the Native nations, municipalities, and rural communities they serve have resilient, abundant water for years to come.
Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, Inc. is a corporation composed of water providers. Its membership, currently over 50 organizations, includes regional and municipal water systems in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and one Native nation sharing borders with Nebraska. The regional water system was formed to provide wholesale water service to existing and future sellers of potable water.
With high-quality, drought-resistant flows, the Missouri River stands out as Dakota Mainstem’s most likely source. An upcoming feasibility study will focus on the economic, environmental, and legal feasibility of tapping the Missouri River.
WATER KEEPS US GROWING.
Economies thrive when water is safe, abundant, and affordable. In addition to being a basic need, reliable water is essential to preserving growth in Eastern South Dakota and sustaining water-intensive industries in agribusiness and manufacturing.
The Missouri River is capable of serving our communities and rural water systems for the foreseeable future. It is important we claim what is ours and keep its benefits local.
In Their Own Words
For agricultural economies, Dakota Mainstem will be a lifeline. Our farmers can’t fill America’s pantry without water.”
— Ron Gillen, Board of Directors President, Aurora-Brule Rural Water System | South Dakota
“Our Board’s responsibility is to look 20, 30, 40 years down the road. Dakota Mainstem represents the kind of long-term water supply solution that will serve the future generations to come. We cannot afford to be complacent in our duty to plan for the future.”
— Jay Jorgensen, Manager, TM Rural Water District | South Dakota
“It’s easy to take reliable water service for granted; most people do when they turn on the tap or start the washing machine. But without it, individuals and communities would quickly realize just how important that basic service is. Dakota Mainstem is planning for that safe, reliable water supply for future generations.”
— Eric Witt, Water/Wastewater & Engineering Manager, Brookings Municipal Utilities | South Dakota
“We are fortunate that past leaders recognized the importance of securing reliable, abundant water resources. It is our responsibility to carry forward that legacy with thoughtful planning for the future. Water security is a significant challenge, and Dakota Mainstem stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration.”
— Ryan Johnson, Utility Administrator, City of Sioux Falls | South Dakota