Emergency Pipeline Repair

August 14, 2026

The Mni Wiconi South Core Pipeline will be temporarily shut down on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, to complete emergency repairs. During the shutdown, the water system will rely on reservoir storage to meet demand.

This repair will affect all communities and rural areas between Fort Pierre and Vivian, as well as areas north and south of the Interstate 90 corridor between Oacoma and Kadoka.

To help ensure an adequate water supply throughout the repair, WR/LJ asks all rural members and community residents to conserve water on Tuesday, August 18, by postponing outdoor watering, filling chemical sprayers, and other non-essential water use.

Please keep water conservation in mind and use water wisely during this time. Your cooperation will help maintain reliable service while repairs are completed.

We appreciate your understanding and assistance.

Emergency Pipeline Repair

August 14, 2026

The Mni Wiconi South Core Pipeline will be temporarily shut down on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, to complete emergency repairs. During the shutdown, the water system will rely on reservoir storage to meet demand.

This repair will affect all communities and rural areas between Fort Pierre and Vivian, as well as areas north and south of the Interstate 90 corridor between Oacoma and Kadoka.

To help ensure an adequate water supply throughout the repair, WR/LJ asks all rural members and community residents to conserve water on Tuesday, August 18, by postponing outdoor watering, filling chemical sprayers, and other non-essential water use.

Please keep water conservation in mind and use water wisely during this time. Your cooperation will help maintain reliable service while repairs are completed.

We appreciate your understanding and assistance.

WATER SERVICE RESTORED

August 13, 2026

The Mni Wiconi pipeline repair work is complete, and the WR/LJ water system has returned to normal operation.

WR/LJ members may now return to the every-other-day watering schedule.

We sincerely thank everyone for doing their part to conserve water over the past couple of days. Your conservation efforts made a difference and helped us maintain service while the pipeline repairs were underway.

MELLETTE COUNTY MEMBERS

As many of you know, Mellette County was hit by a severe storm last night that brought down numerous electrical poles. Due to resulting power outages, portions of the water system have been unable to pump water normally.

Generators are currently powering pump stations while the electric cooperatives continue working to replace damaged poles and restore power.

If you are located in Mellette County, please continue to conserve water and avoid non-essential water use until further notice.

Once again, thank you to all of our members for your patience, cooperation, and understanding!

Mandatory Water Conservation Measures

July 21, 2026

Due to ongoing severe drought conditions, the West River/Lyman-Jones Rural Water System (WR/LJ) is operating at maximum capacity. To ensure an adequate water supply for essential domestic and livestock use, WR/LJ is implementing mandatory outdoor watering restrictions.

These restrictions are effective immediately and will remain in effect through September 30, 2026.

Outdoor Watering Restrictions:  Outdoor watering of lawns, trees, gardens, and landscaped areas is prohibited between 8:00 a.m. and 8 p.m.

• Even-numbered physical addresses: Water only on even-numbered days of the month.
• Odd-numbered physical addresses: Water only on odd-numbered days of the month.
• No outdoor watering is permitted on the 31st day of any month.

Exceptions:  These restrictions do not apply to manual watering using a handheld hose, bucket, watering can, or similar container.

Domestic and Livestock Use:  These conservation measures do not restrict water use for domestic household needs or livestock.

WR/LJ appreciates your cooperation in conserving water and using the available supply as efficiently as possible during this period of drought. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and system demands. If drought conditions persist or worsen, additional water conservation measures, including stricter outdoor water restrictions, may be implemented if necessary.

If you have any questions, please contact the WR/LJ Murdo Office at 605-669-2931.

*SPECIAL ATTENTION*

Customers in the Grindstone Area and Kadoka Rural Area will remain under Critical-Level Water Restrictions. Please click on the red underlined areas for details on the affected areas and the applicable restrictions.

EMERGENCY WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

July 17, 2026

Due to the ongoing severe temperature, WR/LJ wells and the Mni Wiconi Water Treatment Plant are pumping at maximum capacity. It has become necessary to implement mandatory outside watering restrictions to ensure adequate water supplies for domestic and livestock use. The water restrictions will be in effect until further notice.

WATER RESTRICTION POLICY:  No outside lawn and tree watering or filling pools until further notice. 

Nothing shall prohibit manual watering with a handheld hose or with a bucket, sprinkling can or other similar container.

This action does NOT restrict domestic and livestock water usage. WR/LJ requests your cooperation in using the water supply as efficiently and conservatively as possible. Check facebook or our website for updates.

If you have any questions, please call the WR/LJ Murdo Office at 605-669-2931.