The Big Sioux River is polluted enough to be included in the impaired water list with the Environmental Protection Agency, but not enough to get a state level warning.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Steve Pirner made that observation in front of the Joint Appropriations Committee this week.

Jay Gilbertson, Manager of the East Dakota Water Development District, says the discussion shows there is a need for water regulations…..

Gilbertson says water sampling is done monthly on the Big Sioux, and other rivers…..

Gilbertson says swimming in the Big Sioux is not recommended anywhere…..

The Big Sioux rises in extreme northeast South Dakota, and flows through Watertown, Brookings and Sioux Falls before merging with the Missouri River just above Sioux City.