City Receives State Recognition for Drinking Water Excellence

Good news for the City of Sioux Falls is good news for city residents―especially when it comes to the quality of its drinking water.

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that Sioux Falls’ public water system and its operation specialists are recipients of a Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement, for their work in 2019.

The award recognizes those systems and their operation specialists that have demonstrated excellence in water system management and maintenance. “Most customers do not realize what it takes to meet all of the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and, all too often, take for granted the behind-the-scene efforts of these unsung heroes to provide their communities with safe drinking water,” said DENR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “We are especially grateful for these essential employees during the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

This marks the ninth consecutive year the City has received the recognition. Upon receiving the award for a tenth consecutive year, the City will qualify for the Secretary’s Award for Drinking Water Excellence.

That’s definitely a goal toward which to work, said Trent Lubbers, Utility Operations Administrator for Sioux Falls Public Works, though not the only motivating force for the City’s drinking water team. “Their attention and laser focus are on the single goal of making the best water possible for Sioux Falls residents. It starts with them.”

The state of South Dakota began primary enforcement of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in 1983. The program, part of the DENR, develops and enforces regulations that apply to the approximately 645 public water systems in the state.