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Water

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Color-coded map of the United States indicating precipitation probability for September through November 2021. Odds are leaning towards drier than average conditions in the three-month fall season.

Fall 2021 Climate and Drought Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seasonal Climate Outlook, released Aug. 19, 2021, projects drought conditions to continue through the fall season.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of July 27, north-central South Dakota is facing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A small portion of the southwest has adequate moisture.

Controlling Grasshoppers, Salvaging Drought Corn Kick Off August Drought Hours

August 04, 2021

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 18% of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3), while another 70% follows as Severe Drought (D2).

Streamlines podcast cover image

SDSU Extension Launches New Streamlines Podcast

July 14, 2021

Hosted by John McMaine, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Water Management Engineer, and Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, the audio series aims to bring listeners insight and discussion on all things water.

A hand displaying a welded pipe system joint.

Welded Connections and Shallow Bury Pasture Pipe Offers Alternative to Above Ground Systems

Above-ground systems offer a great amount of flexibility in delivering water and options for changing pasture designs over time or space. However, some producers do not desire to maintain as much flexibility in their systems, and for those individuals more-permanent options exist without going to a deep-bury system.

an above ground pipe installation

Recent Changes in Above-Ground Pasture Pipe Requires Matching Pipe and Fittings Correctly

Above-ground water systems have become a very popular tool to deliver clean water from reliable sources to pastures across South Dakota. Many of us assumed some of the new fittings from different manufacturers are universal, but it turns out they are not!

a map of South Dakota showing the levels of drought for June 2021

Next SDSU Extension Drought Hour Set for June 28

June 17, 2021

Nearly 90% of South Dakota is now in some level of drought. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, 56% of the state is in the Severe Drought (D2) and Extreme Drought (D3) classifications.

Well Completion Reports (WCR) site with interactive map and search engine

Finding Private Well Completion Reports

For those South Dakota residents that may have an interest in finding information on their private well if they have none, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources has a database on their website where original Well Completion Reports can be found.

Oscillating sprinkler, soaker hose and button drip emitter.

Options for Watering Home Gardens and Landscape Plantings

Ensuring that your garden plants receive adequate water throughout the growing season does not have to be overwhelming. There are a variety of water management options available to make the process easier.

Aerial photo of erosion control demonstration project on the campus of South Dakota Mines.

West Dakota Water Development District Looks To Improve Rapid Creek Water Quality Through Stormwater Mitigation and Erosion Control Projects

Two pilot projects initiated by the West Dakota Water Development District are intended to improve water quality in Rapid Creek by reducing suspended sediment loading over time.

hereford beef cattle drinking at dam during drought.

Hot Days Ahead and the Need for Water

Hot summer days are still ahead, and we need to account for water. The amount of water a cow requires varies depending on a variety of factors, including environmental temperature, lactation status and weight.