Clean Water & Invasive Species

Like many other states, South Dakota faces water pollution problems in its lakes due to various factors such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrial activities.

Agricultural practices such as fertilizer, manure application, and pesticide usage have been identified as significant sources of nutrient and chemical pollution in South Dakota's lakes. These nutrients and chemicals can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can be toxic to aquatic life and humans. In addition, urbanization and industrial activities can introduce pollutants such as heavy metals and chemicals into the waterways.

To address water pollution in South Dakota's lakes, several measures can be taken:

• Agricultural best management practices (BMPs) such as reduced fertilizer and pesticide use, cover crops, and conservation tillage can help to reduce nutrient and chemical runoff into lakes.
• Urban stormwater management practices such as rain gardens and green roofs can help to reduce pollution from urbanization.
• Wastewater treatment plants can be upgraded to remove nutrients and chemicals from wastewater before it is discharged into lakes.

In addition to these measures, it is also essential to raise awareness among the public about the importance of protecting water resources and to encourage individual actions such as reducing water usage and properly disposing of hazardous waste.

Overall, addressing water pollution in South Dakota's lakes will require a multi-pronged approach involving regulatory and voluntary measures to reduce pollution from various sources.

The LMDA has a special fund to address water quality.  We are working with other lakes, conservation groups along with local, state and federal entities to get Lake Madison water to the cleanest levels in decades.  This is a slow process and we need your help.