A major regional water project serving northwest Iowa communities is moving closer to completion, but for now, it still has some limitations during peak demand.
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System says its Phase 3 expansion of the water treatment plant is about halfway complete and expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
Lewis & Clark serves 20 member communities across three states: southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. The Iowa communities include: Sioux Center, Sheldon, Hull, Sibley, and Rock Rapids.
Executive Director Troy Larson says the project will allow all members to access their full reserved water supply at the same time.
Larson says that it hasn’t created issues so far, as not all communities use their full capacity at once, but the expansion will ensure the system can meet demand when it’s needed.
Phase 3 is designed to complete what the system calls its “base system,” allowing it to reach its full design capacity and better serve all 20 member systems. Larson says the full base system is expected to cost about $711 million.
Project Cost & Funding Breakdown:
•Total base system cost: $711 million
•Federal funding: 80%
•State funding (SD, IA, MN): 10%
•Local member communities: 10%
Larson says local communities’ share is ultimately supported by ratepayers, but notes the system carries no construction debt, helping keep water rates competitive.
Construction has included major additions like new treatment basins, storage, and other infrastructure as the system continues to scale up.
While the expansion is significant, Larson says the goal isn’t for residents to notice a difference.
Communities like Sioux Center and Sheldon will continue to rely on their own local water sources, but Lewis & Clark serves as an additional supply.
What’s Ahead…
Beyond Phase 3, the system is already working on additional expansion to keep pace with future needs, with more capacity expected to come online by 2030.
Larson says the mission remains focused on ensuring long-term water quality and availability for the region.
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System’s treatment plant is located just outside of Vermillion, South Dakota.
