Recent water use permit for the Big Sioux is a failed effort. It is based on "uncertainties." This is poor water management — The South Dakota Standard

Recent water use permit for the Big Sioux is a failed effort. It is based on "uncertainties." This is poor water management — The South Dakota Standard

The Big Sioux Water System received a large water use permit in May. The aquifer from which the water is drawn lies in Lake and Moody counties. The permit allows the use of 117.3 million gallons of water annually from a new well to be constructed. The water system permit decision issued by the state, and the state’s supporting report in favor of the permit application, are a failed effort to balance different statutes which direct the state’s du…