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Castlewood City Council decided 5 – 1 this last week to approve transitioning the City's water service to Sioux Rural Water. Most citizens reportedly are for the change considering the excessive amounts of iron and manganese clogging pipes, significantly reducing the lifespan of appliances and bathroom plumbing fixtures.  

The Hamlin County Republican, the local Castlewood newspaper, reported, "Sioux Rural Water recently completed its treatment plant west of town and currently can supply the City's water needs. They remove iron and manganese from their water and add chlorine and fluoride. "We take it very seriously," said Travis Steffensen, general manager of Sioux Rural Water. "Our #1 job is to provide safe drinking water," Steffensen explained that going into a contract with their company guarantees water rights in the future."  

Castlewood will be on a yearly, potentially renewable contract. Residents have also reported low to very low pressure in areas throughout town. Sioux Rural Water, unfortunately, could not guarantee residents would improve the water pressure. However, it is possible that cleaning out the pipes with clean water could increase the pressure over time.   

Hamlin County Republican also reported, "The notable cost increase will come with residents going over the monthly minimum water usage of 2,000 gallons. Those over 2,000 gallons currently pay 90 cents per 1,000 gallons, and by switching to Sioux Rural Water, the City would have to increase the 2,000+ rate to at least their cost from Sioux Rural Water, which is $4.55/per 1,000 gallons. The city council voted 5-1 to switch to Sioux Rural Water, with the nay vote coming from councilman Heather Schmit. The council did not set new rates at this time."   

It reportedly could take up to a year to complete all the infrastructure; there is a potential it could be done sooner.  

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