SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – (KELO.com) – We’re still months away from outdoor recreation and playing in many of the lakes and rivers in the area. But when it comes to the Big Sioux River, do so with caution says officials from around the state.
The 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 jumping in the Big Sioux this summer probably isn’t the best idea.
“For the most part, the bacteria levels in the Big Sioux River typically exceed the standard,” Gilbertson said. “For a very long time, the river has been considered impaired in regards to recreation. So if you’re going to go swim, do so at your own risk.”
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.