Sioux Center, Iowa — The cities of Sioux Center and Hull are finally connected to the Lewis & Clark pipeline, and Sheldon is next.
Lewis & Clark is the water pipeline that brings Missouri River aquifer water to several communities and systems in the tristate area.
According to Lewis & Clark Executive Director Troy Larson, Lewis & Clark water finally started flowing to Sioux Center on Tuesday and to Hull on Wednesday. He says the communities are the 16th and 17th members to be connected to the tristate system. The communities received Lewis & Clark water at nearly the same time because the pipeline between the two communities was installed several years ago so Hull could purchase water from Sioux Center.
Lewis & Clark Chairman Murray Hulstein of Sioux Center says, “This is a huge milestone for both communities to finally be connected. Lewis & Clark’s Articles of Incorporation were signed on January 29, 1990, so Sioux Center waited 12,119 days to get water and one day more for Hull. It took far longer than anyone imagined when the project was started, but it is well worth the wait. The water will ensure continued future growth and expanded economic development opportunities for many decades to come. We far too often take water for granted, but we’re marking this as a monumental day over 33 years in the making.”
Larson tells us Sioux Center has reserved 600,000 gallons per day and Hull has reserved 400,000 gallons per day. Work started last year to expand the System’s capacity from 44 million gallons a day to 60 million gallons. When the expansion is completed, which is anticipated to be in 2030 or 2031, Sioux Center will have access to a total of 949,000 gallons per day and 633,000 gallons per day for Hull.
Three members of Lewis & Clark remain unconnected. The schedules are subject to change, but Sheldon is anticipated to receive water in late 2023/early 2024.
Sheldon Public Works Director Todd Uhl had an update on the pipeline coming to Sheldon at the Sheldon City Council Meeting on Wednesday.
Larson tells us Lewis & Clark’s connection to Madison, South Dakota is expected in mid-2024 and Sibley should be connected in late 2024/early 2025 if all goes according to plan.
