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Hot Springs Public Water System honored with South Dakota secretary's award for drinking water excellence
Summary
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources recognized the Hot Springs Public Water System and system operations staff with the Secretary's Award for Drinking Water Excellence for meeting state and federal requirements and maintaining more than 22 consecutive years of compliance
HOT SPRINGS, S.D. — The Hot Springs Public Water System and its operations staff received the Secretary's Award for Drinking Water Excellence from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the city announced during its March 12 council meeting.
The recognition, dated March 12, 2025, cites more than 22 consecutive years of compliance with state and federal drinking water monitoring, reporting and certification requirements. The award letter included language certifying that the public water system "has met all federal and state requirements for safe drinking water" and credited system staff for enabling the system to provide safe drinking water to the public it serves.
The certificate text read in council remarks referenced the system operations specialist and named personnel in the certificate language.
Mayor Bob Nelson presented the council's acknowledgement of the award and offered the city's appreciation for the water system's years of compliance and service.
Why it matters
State recognition for long‑term compliance indicates that the city's water system has consistently met regulatory monitoring and reporting duties that protect public health and maintain eligibility for certain state and federal programs. The award is limited to water systems and system operations specialists that meet elevated compliance and certification standards for at least 10 consecutive years.
The certificate and award text read during the meeting identified the Hot Springs Public Water System and referenced staff contributions; specifics on any accompanying grant or monetary award were not specified in the meeting minutes.
