Freshwater – An Indispensable Natural Resource, But Increasingly Scarce

Water resources support life, produce food, generate power, and create most of the material goods that people utilize on a daily basis. Despite the abundance of water on the planet, access to safe and affordable freshwater is not guaranteed, even in the United States. Never is this truer than in the American Southwest where decades of drought and overuse are drying up major reservoirs along the Colorado River and raising tensions between the seven states which depend on the river’s flow.

South Dakota and its neighboring states are taking heed, and making multi-generational plans to help ensure our region can avoid a similar water crisis. Rotarian Steve Watson will moderate a panel of water resource experts who are proactively leading efforts to secure safe and affordable drinking water for our multi-state region. Joining the conversation will be Troy Larson, Executive Director, Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, Kurt Pfeifle, Executive Director, Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System and Scott Buss, Executive Director, Minnehaha Community Water Corporation.

The buffet lunch begins at 11:30 am. The menu will be announced soon.

The presentation, at the club’s regular weekly meeting, will be held at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls and will begin at noon. All Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club programs are open only to Rotarians and their guests. All programs are subject to the club's Privacy Policy. Local media are invited to attend to record the session.



Rotary International is one of the premier service organizations in the world. The Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls is among the largest clubs in the world. For more information on how to become a mentor or involve your organization in mentoring visit Sioux52.org.