Randall Community Water District Named 2025 Rural Water System of the Year by SDARWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PIERRE, S.D. (Jan. 13, 2026) — The South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) has named Randall Community Water District (RCWD) as the recipient of the 2025 Rural Water System of the Year Award, presented during the SDARWS Annual Technical Conference on January 13, 2026, at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre, South Dakota.

RCWD was recognized for excellence in delivering high-quality, reliable water service to existing customers while expanding service to neighboring communities. In 2025, RCWD launched the “Connecting Neighbors” project, featuring approximately 72 miles of new water pipeline extending from Platte to Mitchell. The project includes upgrades to the Platte Water Treatment Plant and development of water storage, pumping stations, and other critical infrastructure.

This expansion will benefit Aurora-Brule Rural Water System and Davison Rural Water System, while also providing an important redundant water source for the City of Mitchell. Construction began in April 2025, with anticipated completion by summer 2027.

Founded in 1976, RCWD serves approximately 3,100 rural customers and 15 bulk customers across multiple counties, guided by a mission to provide high-quality service at the lowest possible cost. RCWD was also recognized for operational independence and efficiency through self-performing much of its work with skilled staff and equipment.

The SDARWS Annual Technical Conference is the largest rural water conference in South Dakota, hosting more than 650 water operators, managers, and exhibitors over three days in Pierre.