CHALLENGES
Capacity, Constraints, and Impacting Factors Staffing and Technical Expertise. South Dakota wastewater treatment operators are required to be certified and qualified for operating and maintaining treatment facilities. Recruiting, training, retaining and supporting certified operators in rural environments continues to be an opportunity. Infrastructure Management and Funding The infrastructure of community and rural water systems is aging and the cost of repairing or replacing these systems is quickly increasing. The cost to make these improvements typically comes from utility revenue, or fees and surcharges added to utility rates and fees, resulting in higher utility rates. Capital Improvement Planning Planning for growth and treatment needs is essential to properly assessing local, regional and statewide needs. Future Treatment Needs More stringent water quality standards to meet due to changing and evolving EPA standards. Biosolids disposal without impacting environment due to new standards and containment concerns. Agriculture-based Economy Understanding that agricultural practices can directly impact water quality. Balancing an agricultural friendly State with promoting best practices for environmental protection. Agriculture also drives value-added agricultural economic opportunities that can increase demand for water and wastewater infrastructure.
Existing Challenges Wastewater treatment systems are unknown mysterious entities to most in South Dakota. Most residents do not understand the complexity and technical skill required to treat what so easily flushes down the toilet. Wastewater treatment is undervalued and misunderstood, often overlooked for more visible projects and spends. A day without water or a day without wastewater collection and treatment would help demonstrate its essential place in the State’s health. Future Challenges Wastewater treatment continues to increase in complexity as we learn more about the impacts waste has on the environment. Treatment has evolved from collecting and getting waste off the streets, to reducing odor and unsanitary conditions, to treating to meet acute impacts of the waste on the local ecosystem. Today, waste is reviewed for contaminants that may be impactful twenty to thirty years from now and how these will impact water bodies in other states or even the ocean. This knowledge will restrict discharge limits, disposal options for biosolids and ultimately increase the cost to operate, maintain and upgrade these facilities.
Infrastructure First Project
Water Quality | 133
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