Winter storm leaves reservation facing water shortage

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Last week’s winter storms have left South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation facing a water shortage.

The Rapid City Journal reports that the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Water Maintenance and Conservation issued use restrictions on water usage for most of the reservation on Monday. Agency officials say heavy snowfall has prevented workers from accessing water stations to keep water flowing, leaving some areas with low water levels or none at all.

The restrictions are expected to remain in effect until 4:30 p.m. Friday.

December 29, 2022