Land Department staff manage SMSC water resources in order to protect the quantity and quality of drinking water and healthy ecosystems. SMSC water resources currently include three aquifers, two lakes, three streams, and over 200 acres of wetlands. These water resources have sustained Dakota communities for centuries, and it is our goal to preserve these resources for future generations.

Our specific objectives are:

• To protect drinking water sources from contamination and/or depletion,
• To determine the baseline (natural) water quality in lakes, streams and wetlands,
• To define the water quality of storm-water runoff from construction sites, lawns, streets and parking lots, and
• To prevent land use from negatively affecting water quality in aquifers, lakes, streams and wetlands.

 The Land Department manages SMSC water resources by:

• Monitoring water level changes in aquifers. If water levels get too low, the SMSC works with surrounding cities to coordinate pumping in wells.
• Collecting water samples from lakes, streams and wetlands. Land Department staff measure flow and collect samples in and around SMSC property. Water clarity is monitored, which is affected by how much sediment and organic matter is in the water. Water samples are analyzed for nutrients that can cause algae blooms or nitrate poisoning. Samples are also analyzed for salt and heavy metals, which are found in storm runoff and can harm plants and animals.
• Reviewing construction permits. The Land Department ensures that construction plans are designed to prevent pollution from leaving the site.
• Conducting erosion control inspections at construction sites. Land Department staff check to make sure that construction activities are not causing pollution to leave the site.