Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Plains CESU

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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) South Dakota Water Science Center (SDWSC) is offering a funding opportunity for research on ¿Water availability and quality of groundwater and surface water in South Dakota and effects on associated aquifers, watersheds, and reservoirs. A range of challenges face water resource managers in South Dakota and surrounding States, including energy development, drought, floods, climate variability, land-use change, and water contamination. Energy development in South Dakota and surrounding States requires significant water resources from aquifers, rivers, and reservoirs. Energy demand has prompted changes in crops types and land-use for ethanol production. The region has experienced both extreme wet and drought conditions over recent past years, and floods of record have been followed by years of low flow conditions. Climate variability has prompted changes in agricultural practices, such as tile-drainage of fields. Other issues of concern are more local such as development and growth of municipalities in the region and associated effects to surface water quality. Tribal Nations have experienced losses of valuable lands along reservoirs due to extreme erosion.

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