DAY COUNTY, S.D. — The Bureau of Reclamation and WEB Water Development Association, Inc. (WEB) are seeking public input on the Waubay and Day County Drought Resiliency Project, a federally supported initiative to enhance reliable water access in Day County, South Dakota. This project proposes the construction of approximately 17 miles of rural water pipeline, improving long-term water supply reliability for the region, including the Lake Traverse Reservation. Public comments are accepted through August 28, 2025.
The project will consist of three main pipeline segments: Segment 1 starts in Waubay, extending east along Highway 12, then north along 448th Avenue, and west on County Road 1B. Segment 2 begins at the Enemy Swim Tribal District, running parallel to 446th Avenue. Segment 3 is located on the west side of Pickerel Lake, connecting to 129th Street and continuing west. Final main pipeline routes are still being determined within the designated project area. Future plans will also include residential service line routes and appurtenances to the main line in or adjacent to the designated project area.
This initiative is part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program, which supports water infrastructure improvements in rural communities. The environmental assessment will ensure compliance with federal requirements related to cultural preservation, wildlife considerations, and permitting processes.
Stakeholders, tribal governments, residents, and interested groups are encouraged to provide feedback to help shape the project’s development. All submitted comments, including names and addresses, will be included in the public record..
For further details or to submit comments by postal service or email, please contact:
Leslie Murphy
(605) 696-9155
LeslieM@bannerassociates.com
221 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 103
Pierre, SD 57501
