About Us
Leaders with a Vision
In 2021, water leaders from eastern South Dakota initiated discussions on the state’s water development trajectory. Recognizing South Dakota’s arid climate and vulnerability to drought, groundwater availability, as well as the critical importance of water quality and quantity. The idea quickly gained traction. In 2022, the group surveyed South Dakota water systems and researched the complexity, cost, and political challenges of large water projects. After much research, planning, technical advising, and legal council, Dakota Mainstem was officially incorporated in 2023 with 29 initial members. The initial group of 29 has grown to now 50+ members, located in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota with potential for more.
Organizational Leadership
Dakota Mainstem's operations are managed by an Executive Director under the oversight of its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In addition, Dakota Mainstem currently has three working committees.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee meets at least monthly to oversee the day-to-day management of Dakota Mainstem and make recommendations to the full Board of Directors on a variety of matters.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is dedicated to growing and retaining the membership base, managing dues and rate structures, and assisting in the elections for board officers and the Executive Committee.
Project Development Committee
The Project Development Committee leads the planning and execution of projects, including oversight of consultant Requests for Proposals and assessment of viable project options.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee merges communications and government affairs to ensure cohesive messaging and outreach.
Executive Commitee
Aurora-Brule Rural Water System
Big Sioux Community Water System, Inc.
Brookings-Deuel Rural Water System
B-Y Water District
City of Brandon
City of Brookings
City of Colton
City of Crooks
City of Dell Rapids
City of Harrisburg
City of Hartford
City of Hull
City of Humboldt
City of Huron
City of Lennox
City of Luverne
City of Madison
City of Milbank
City of Mitchell
City of Orange City
City of Parker
Water Systems & Communities Involved
City of Pipestone
City of Salem
City of Sanborn
City of Sheldon
City of Sibley
City of Sioux Falls
City of Tea
City of Valley Springs
City of Vermillion
City of Watertown
City of Worthington
City of Yankton
Clark Rural Water System
Clay Rural Water System
Davison Rural Water System
Grant-Roberts Rural Water System
Hanson Rural Water System
Iowa Lakes Rural Water System
Kingbrook Rural Water System
Lewis & Clark Rural Water System
Lincoln County Rural Water System
Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System
Lyon & Sioux Rural Water System
Mid-Dakota Rural Water System
Minnehaha Community Water Corporation
Osceola County Rural Water System, Inc.
Randall Community Water District
Red Rocks Rural Water System
Rock County Rural Water District
Rock Rapids Municipal Utilities
Santee Sioux Tribe
Sioux Center Municipal Utilities
Sioux Rural Water System
South Lincoln Rural Water System
TM Rural Water District
West Central Iowa Rural Water Association
Consultant Team
HDR | Lead Engineer
Bartlett & West | Partner
Banner & Associates | Partner
DGR Engineering | Partner
Pinpoint Corporation | Owner’s Representative