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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

This episode of Rivers and Rangelands focuses on the pressing water quality and quantity issues facing South Dakota. The hosts welcome Jay Gilbertson from the East Dakota Water Development District to discuss ongoing testing for PFAs ("forever chemicals") in the Big Sioux River, which has revealed detectable levels of PFAs at every monitored site. The team explores the broader impacts of local water resource depletion, emphasizing the urgent need to tap into new sources like the Missouri River to support growth and safeguard communities.

Key Discussion Points:

• The presence and implications of PFAs in South Dakota’s water, including the health and ecological risks tied to their detection at all sampled river locations.
• Ongoing research led by East Dakota Water Development District to better understand contaminant origins and inform public utilities.
• The depletion of local aquifers and surface water, with economic development and steady population growth straining supplies beyond their current capacity.
• The Missouri River’s role as a future water source, and the complex legal, regulatory, and financial hurdles involved in regional water projects.
• Challenges of balancing water use for business expansion with the need for conservation and efficient management practices.

Public Engagement and Policy:

• The conversation emphasizes the importance of public awareness and involvement in water management decisions, urging listeners to reduce personal water waste and advocate for sustainable policies.
• Discussion of legal and regulatory actions as essential tools for addressing both water quality and quantity concerns in South Dakota, particularly the need for clearer pollution reduction targets and strengthened enforcement.
• The impact of state and federal decisions, such as water rights held by tribal communities, and efforts to coordinate fair and equitable allocations for future needs.

Calls to Action:

• Stay informed and engaged: Regular citizens are encouraged to learn about their water sources, support community efforts, and participate in local discussions about conservation.
• Advocate for clear water pollution reduction goals and improved public reporting by government agencies.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

Send us a text

Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

This episode of Rivers and Rangelands delves into the Big Sioux River watershed’s water quality and management, featuring an in-depth conversation with Jay Gilbertson of the East Dakota Water Development District. Hosts Lori Walsh and Travis Entenman explore the challenges of maintaining water quality, including the presence of E. coli and other contaminants that have impaired segments of the river for both recreation and aquatic life.

Gilbertson highlights the importance of regular water sampling, the role of voluntary community programs, and how collaborative efforts have reduced, but not fully resolved, water quality issues over the last decade. The discussion also examines the differences between Western and Eastern water laws, the limitations imposed by state regulations, and the lack of trend analysis in official state reports despite evident long-term progress.

The conversation underscores the aspirational goal of making the river swimmable and stresses the need for community awareness and proactive, science-based measures to protect water resources for future generations.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

Send us a text

Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

In the third episode of the Rivers and Rangelands podcast, hosts Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh sit down with Jay Gilbertson for a wide-ranging discussion on water rights and the science of aquifer drilling in South Dakota. The trio explores the dramatic variations in depth to bedrock across the state, from as shallow as 50 feet to wells plunging over 1,000 feet deep, and unpacks what these geological realities mean for communities relying on groundwater.

Gilbertson illuminates the legal framework of South Dakota water law, emphasizing the role of public trust and the doctrine of first-in-time, first-in-right. Listeners get an inside look at the permitting process, the critical importance of future use permits for community planning, and how water allocation in the Big Sioux aquifer is becoming increasingly challenging as demand rises. Historical anecdotes about fossil finds and unique South Dakota geology add depth and local color to the conversation, painting a vivid picture of both the region’s past and its water future.

Perfect for anyone curious about how water shapes communities, or for landowners and decision-makers navigating South Dakota’s evolving landscape, this episode combines expert insight with practical stories and a touch of history to keep listeners engaged from start to finish.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!