Thomas Daschle: “I join my colleague, Senator Pressler, in introducing legislation to authorize the Lewis and Clark rural water system.…”

“I join my colleague, Senator Pressler, in introducing legislation to authorize the Lewis and Clark rural water system. The Lewis and Clark rural water system is seeking authorization for the construction of a rural water system to provide clean water to southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa, and southwestern Minnesota. The need for this project is clear. In Sioux Falls, and in the rural counties that rely on Sioux Falls as a center of economic growth, we are now face to face with water shortages. Population growth is outstripping existing supplies of clean water. Despite heroic efforts by the city of Sioux Falls to conserve water, supplies are not keeping up with demand. Sioux Falls has imposed water restrictions every year since 1987. Water rights for the Big Sioux aquifer, which supplies water to Sioux Falls, have been committed. Therefore, Sioux Falls has been forced to explore other long-term options. Similar problems exist in the nearby rural counties in southeastern South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, areas where water use restrictions are not uncommon. Unless the water supply problem is resolved, it could affect the long-term growth and development of the city. Not only are there shortages of water, but much of the water that currently supplies the area is contaminated with high levels of iron, manganese, sulfate, and total dissolved solids.”