Rapid City's master plan outlines population growth and future water demand projections

The Rapid City Legal & Finance Committee meeting on April 2, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding population growth and its implications for water demand in the city. The committee reviewed city planning data projecting population increases through 2115, highlighting a significant rise from the current population of approximately 75,000 to an estimated 155,000 by 2115.

The discussion emphasized that population growth directly influences water demand. Historical data was presented, showing past projections that often exceeded actual population counts. For instance, a 2005 study anticipated a population of 79,000, which was 20% higher than the actual figure. Similarly, a 2008 master plan projected a 2025 population of 98,000, which is about 15% higher than current estimates.

The committee outlined service areas for 2025 and beyond, based on existing city boundaries and anticipated development. It was noted that areas with low residential density, defined as less than one housing unit per five acres, would not be included in the municipal water service area, as these regions are better served by private or rural water systems.

Comparative data revealed that Rapid City has a population density of approximately 1,358 people per square mile, significantly lower than larger cities like Omaha and Denver, which exceed 4,000 people per square mile. The committee concluded that while population growth is expected, the density of development in Rapid City is projected to remain stable in the near future.

As the meeting progressed, the committee began to develop water demand forecasts based on the projected population and service areas, setting the stage for future discussions on resource management and infrastructure planning. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for ensuring that Rapid City can meet the water needs of its growing population in the coming decades.