SDSU researchers assessing water values in new survey

Researchers in South Dakota State University's School of Design, in cooperation with SDSU Extension, are evaluating how South Dakota residents use and value the state's coveted water resources through a region-wide survey.

"The purpose of this research study is to assess the values and actions regarding water in South Dakota," said Jeremiah Bergstrom, lecturer of landscape architecture in SDSU's School of Design. "The purpose of this research is to plan for proper water protection, inform allocation of resources and guide state and local policies."

The researchers invite eastern South Dakota residents to participate in the survey.

The survey is a joint effort supported by the East Dakota Water Development District, Vermillion Basin Water Development District, SDSU and SDSU Extension to assess how residents value water. It will provide a foundation for targeting work to better implement water resources initiatives and activities across the region and state.

“It is critically important to understand how the general public views the water resources they use on a daily basis, including their expectations and concerns,” said Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District.  “In the long run, the preservation and protection of South Dakota’s water resources will depend on broad public support and participation. Program and policy developers, along with educators, would greatly benefit from a better understanding of how the public views water.”

SDSU collaborators include Bergstrom, Robert Dalton, assistant professor in the School of Design, and Sushant Mehan, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and an SDSU Extension water resource engineer specialist.

"We are excited to meet and hear from South Dakotans across the region and state," Bergstrom added. "Over the next year, the partners will be working to get out and meet people in their communities and at important events to make sure we get a broad cross section of resident responses that truly reflect how we all use and enjoy our water resources.  We hope everyone will participate and help us spread the word.  When the survey results are compiled, the results will be shared with our partners and the public."

The survey is being distributed as an online document.