A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION encouraging the review and approval of water rights applications and future use reservations from the Missouri River.

WHEREAS, under SDCL 46-1-1 to 46-1-4, inclusive, the people of South Dakota have a paramount interest in the use of all water within this state, which is declared to be the property of the people, and the state shall ensure that water resources are developed for the greatest public benefit, put to beneficial use to the fullest extent possible, and not wasted or used unreasonably; and

WHEREAS, the demand for water is increasing in many parts of the western United States; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri River is the state's most substantial surface water source; and

WHEREAS, SDCL 46-5-38 authorizes certain entities to reserve water for contemplated future needs upon a showing of availability of unappropriated water and future need pursuant to procedures set forth in chapter 46-2A; and

WHEREAS, the Water Management Board is a statewide board, created by the Legislature for the purpose of equitably managing the water resources of this state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that it is of the utmost importance that the Water Management Board prioritize the review and approval of water rights applications and future use reservations from the Missouri River submitted by South Dakota's public water systems to address the future needs of the people of this state.

Adopted by the Senate, February 10, 2026

Concurred in by the House of Representatives, February 25, 2026

_____________________ _____________________ Chris Karr Peggy Laurenz

President Pro Tempore Secretary of the Senate

of the Senate

_____________________ _____________________ Jon Hansen Patricia Miller

Speaker of the House Chief Clerk of the House