South Dakota stock dams becoming salty, leading ranchers to truck in water
8/13/2021 10:42:56 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
South Dakota
Start Date: 8/5/2021
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Stock dams in South Dakota were becoming saltier as drought dried them out. Salt from the soil washes into ponds with rain. In 2019, none of the state’s stock dams had salinity levels over 4,000 microsiemens per centimeter. This year, 6% of the dams had readings over 15,000 microsiemens per centimeter, which is a lethal level. Since the state is gripped by drought, there has not been enough rain to dilute the water and make it safe again.
Some ranchers were trucking in water for their livestock.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting (Vermillion), Aug 5, 2021
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