Past Winners

Policy Bulletin 117 - Scholarship Program

Successful Scholarship Applicants & Their Essays

2025 Scholarship Winners


Mid-Dakota
By: Grace Hanten

Mid-Dakota has been an indispensable part of my family for a quarter century. My grandma and grandpa Hanten built their dream house in the country in 1977. However, they didn’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. Some neighbors had water, but it was either hot artesian well water or sand spike wells by the river. These options produced poor-quality, costly water. This was not a quality living situation, thus, my grandfather hauled every drop of water from the Pierre water fill station. He did this using a 225-gallon tank in the back of his pickup year-round, regardless of weather conditions. There were times in the winter when it was so icy that the tank slid outside the back of the truck. He did for almost thirty years, living just East on Highway 34 to provide safe water for his family. Due to limited water, my grandparents and my Dad could take no more than a three-minute shower and had to conserve water in all areas of life.

Therefore, the idea of having access to clean, safe rural water systems was always my grandparents' dream. Mid-Dakota formed a water district. It gained traction among many of the rural communities. Sign-up members like my grandmother would go door to door to sign up neighbors to collect good faith hook up fees including 10 miles of Highway 34. My grandma, Carroll Hanten, said, “We met a lot of happy people” while knocking on doors. Nevertheless, some people had their water systems and were quite hesitant to sign up. They never dreamed of being able to have such accessible water, and it almost seemed too good to be true. Then, when the Mid-Dakota Rural Water System Bill was passed, the work of building the water system began.

After many years of anticipation of the completion of the Mid-Dakota rural water system, high-quality, safe water was connected to rural homes. This not only positively impacted the entire rural community it also made my grandparents' lives considerably easier and safer. My grandparents remember the day that the water was hooked up to the house, specifically, my Dad remembers taking a long shower without worrying about having to haul water in the tank ever again!

****


Mid-Dakota Rural Water Benefits Myself, My Family, and My Community
By: Morgan Kolda

Being a student athlete, it is essential to have clean and safe water to be able to perform at my highest level academically and athletically. Having the essential amount of water during the day helps regulate my body temperature and helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells in my body. This helps me to be able to focus on my schoolwork and be able to learn and retain more academically. Having participated in many sports, I know that staying hydrated is a key factor in performing and staying healthy. Having enough water intake lubricates my joints and helps protect my muscles. This helps me to have more mobility and helps prevent injuries while I am playing.

I have family that farms and ranches and having a water source they can rely on is very important. For their livestock it is beneficial to have water that is free of waterborne diseases. Prior to having Mid-Dakota Rural Water, water was relied on stock damns or wells. This provided unknown sediments, diseases, and materials to be consumed which could be detrimental. Having nutrient filled water has aided in improving the health of the livestock. Just like water is essential for humans, it is also essential for livestock in the same ways. Having healthier livestock provides a stronger and better livestock production.

For my community, water is not only important for drinking but is used for daily living. Washing clothes, taking showers, cleaning your home, and so on. It is easy to take for granted how water is important in every day living. My community recently had the infrastructure remodeled in which there was a limit on water usage during this time. Having to go through less water usage made me appreciate how important water availability is. Having a proper water management safeguards the long-term sustainability for both current and future generations.

We are fortunate to have a clinic and hospital in our community which relies on having a clean and safe water supply. Knowing that Mid-Dakota Rural Water's mission statement is to enhance quality of life by providing high-quality water and excellent service to its members provides a safe feeling that our clinic and hospital can provide the safest quality of care they can from having clean and safe water.

Mid-Dakota Rural Water has been a key source in providing a clean, safe, and essential water supply to myself, my family, and to many communities. Their dedication to the communities and their customers shows in the quality of water they provide.

****


Mid-Dakota
By: Maddie Jurgens

Mid-Dakota Rural Water has made more of an impact than what people realize. I have heard my parents talk about the challenges they faced with the old artesian water system. The water was extremely rusty, and it would stain everything, from our houses to our clothes. Every time they watered the lawn, they had to deal with those ugly rust stains. It was also tough on our appliances, especially water heaters and water softeners. The hard water would cause buildup and reduce their lifespan, leading to frequent repairs and replacements.

Since switching to Mid-Dakota Rural Water, we've seen a significant improvement in our water quality. The clean water we now have is a game-changer. Not only does it keep our homes and clothes looking nice, but it's also much better for our appliances. We don't have to worry about rust stains or the constant maintenance that came with the old water system. This has saved us both time and money, making life a lot easier.

Another big benefit of Mid-Dakota Rural Water is the improved water pressure. This might seem like a small thing, but it has a huge impact, especially for the fire department. With better water pressure, they can fill their water trucks much faster, which is crucial in emergency situations. It gives them the ability to respond more efficiently and potentially save more lives and property.

Clean water also plays a significant role in our community's recreational activities. I work at the local swimming pool, and having clean water is essential for maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment. The switch to Mid-Dakota Rural Water means that we no longer have to deal with the issues caused by rusty water. The pool is cleaner, and it's much easier to manage the water quality, which directly affects my job and the experience of everyone who visits the pool.

 Lastly, the improved water system has saved our city money. The cleaner water is easier on our water infrastructure, including the water tower and water lines. This means fewer repairs and less maintenance, which translates to cost savings for the city. These savings can then be redirected to other important community projects and services.

 In conclusion, Mid-Dakota Rural Water has had an important impact on my life and my community. From providing clean water and better water pressure to saving money and improving our quality of life, the benefits are clear. It's more than just a water system; it's a vital part of our community's well-being and future.

****


Rural Water: The Greatest Resource of All
By: Sheridan Voorhees

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry." - French Proverbs. Water is a fundamental resource. To survive, we must have it. Yet to thrive, we must have safe, sanitary, and accessible water for both domestic and agricultural use. The Mid-Dakota Rural Water System provides my community with this high-quality water, enabling it to prosper.

In our home, rural water is used in a multitude of ways. I begin every day by turning on the faucet to brush my teeth and prepare for the day. Then, I usually cook breakfast. One of my family's favorite things to do is cook, which requires clean water from the tap. After breakfast, there are dishes to be done. Once again, rural water is used. Throughout the day, I drink water at basketball practice and use it to shower at the end of the night. In the summer, I enjoy gardening vegetables and flowers. To enable their growth, I water them daily. The average American turns on the faucet an average of 50 times per day, which I can attest to be true for me. I cannot imagine how different, and more difficult, life would look without access to rural water.

My community has not always had access to clean rural water. My dad often shares his experience with the artesian well water he used growing up. Unlike our water today, the water was not of high quality. It was corrosive to clothing, bathrooms, pipes, and even teeth. Additionally, it could be dangerous due to its susceptibility to bacteria and other contaminants. My father expresses how grateful he is for the clean water we have today.

Not only is rural water used for domestic purposes, but it is also essential in agriculture. It provides farmers with water to be used for a variety of purposes, including preparing crop sprays and raising livestock. My family has been involved in the cattle business for many years. I have been able to witness firsthand the important role that water plays in the production of livestock.

 

Agriculture is what drives my local community. Rural water is one of the greatest supporters of agriculture and, therefore, one of the greatest supporters of my community. My community can thrive, thanks to rural water. Each day, members depend on water both in the home and for agricultural uses. Life would look much different without the high-quality water provided by the Mid-Dakota Rural Water Water System. I am grateful to be a member of a supported community, for I believe that there is no greater resource than accessible high-quality water.

****

2024 Scholarship Winners


The Importance of Rural Water in Rural Communities
By: Abigail Kolousek

Mid-Dakota water is a crucial source of hydration on my family's farm. Living in rural South Dakota, my family wouldn't be able to water the livestock, wash our clothes, water the garden, take showers, or drink from the faucet if it weren't for Mid-Dakota water. Mid-Dakota gives my family access to rural water, which is both crucial and beneficial for the success of my family and our farm.

Rural water has various health benefits for livestock compared to urban water. Water quality may not be a cattle producer's biggest concern; however, it plays a critical role in raising healthy livestock. While urban water systems often face pollution by sediments and toxic metals, rural water carries nutrients that decrease illnesses and diseases in cattle and support digestion, growth, and lactation.

Further, not only does rural water benefit livestock, but it also benefits the public. Rural water provides rural communities with a safe and sufficient water supply. Rural water contains many beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, fluoride, potassium, iron, and zinc, which all support the everyday needs of the human body. Rural water ensures rural areas access to clean, safe, and affordable water.

Overall, rural water has numerous benefits for families, livestock, and small communities. Mid-Dakota provides rural South Dakota with amazing water quality that improves overall health. Without Mid-Dakota water, my family and many others in our community wouldn't be able to run successful cattle operations or practice basic hygiene and health Mid-Dakota water gives citizens in rural South Dakota the chance to thrive, using quality water they can trust.

****


Mid-Dakota
By: Jarron Beck
A rural water system can be critically important to in those in more remote and rural areas. The most important factor is access to clean, safe and sanitary drinking water. Many times water sources could be contaminated and having a rural water system can reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and bacteria. Right along those same lines, having access to good clean water is important for daily activities of life and help to promote good hygiene choices. Those could include cooking, drinking, doing laundry, and bathing. Knowing that we don’t have to worry about having clean water really does ease some of life’s worries.

My mom grew up in Pierre, and she would always talk about how the water would stain the bathtub or the side of the house when they would run their sprinklers. We live in an area that has Mid Dakota Rural water and not once have we ever had to worry about stains on the siding of our house or our laundry getting ruined by rust and discolored water. We don’t have to have bottled water in our fridge to drink, as our water is fantastic. These are the things that many folks take for granted, and I for one am grateful to have the rural water service that we do.

Another benefit of a rural water system is that we have a readily available source of water. This is critically important in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency. Having this reliable water source helps with firefighting and emergency response efforts. It also can help to attract other families to build their homes in neighborhoods that have a rural water system. I know of several people in our community that have looked to build out in our neighborhood simply because of the water source. Not having to worry about all the factors mentioned above when you are running a household alleviates many worries. All in all, I would say that you may pay a bit more for water from a rural water system, like Mid Dakota, but it is well worth the benefits received. Thank you for considering me for the Mid Dakota Rural Water System Scholarship.

****


What Mid-Dakota Does for Me
By: Shaylee Anderberg

Being a recipient of Mid-Dakota rural water, I know that I am being well taken care of as both a customer and consumer of their rural water. I try to prioritize my health and my body as I have an immune disorder known as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). One of the main ways that I can combat my disease is through prioritizing my health and taking care of my body. That being said, water is vital to my health. Having a large consumption of water throughout the day helps me stay alert, prevents my lesions from flaring up, maintains my body temperature so that I do not overheat, and also allows my nervous system to stay in better communication so I can feel better throughout my day. With Mid-Dakota rural water, I am confident my water is not exposed to contaminants so that I am able to keep my body healthy.

It is also comforting knowing that the employees of Mid-Dakota are from my home community as well as surrounding communities. Being raised in this community, I know that we take care of our own. It does not make a difference whether community members show up for school activities to support, give to fundraising events, or provide the community with healthy water — we take care of our own. Being raised in a community with the moral standard of providing for our neighbors leaves me with no doubt that I am being taken care of through the Mid-Dakota rural water system as well. Mid-Dakota rural water helps me take care of body and ensures to me a strong foundation of high quality service they provide to all of their consumers.

****


How Agriculture and Rural Areas Benefit from Mid-Dakota Rural Water
By: Jaycee Baruth

Mid-Dakota Rural Water Systems has provided a clean and reliable water source for our farm and others in rural areas. Rural water is crucial for expansion of feedlots and pastures. Rural water gave my family the opportunity to build our house on the farm with a reliable and affordable water source. Rural water gives options to rural areas beyond maintaining and digging new wells.

Rural water has provided a reliable supply of clean and safe water to our feedlots, which is essential for the health and well-being of livestock. Before rural water, our feedlots utilized an artesian well as the water source. Rural water not only provides a more dependable water supply but also a cleaner and safer water supply. This is evident in the additional gains and health of the cattle since they have moved from a well to rural water. This change is not unique to our farm.

Farmers have seen improvements in their herd after offering them a clean and safe water source. Rural water has also allowed us to have a clean and safe water source in our pastures. Prior to rural water, the cattle would drink out of stock dams, creeks and slews. During droughts or periods of little rain these natural water sources would dry up. This required either the cattle to be moved home to a reliable water source or water had to be hauled to the pastures. Rural water provides reassurance cattle will have a reliable water source.

Rural water enabled us to live on our farm because it provided us with a reliable source of water at an affordable price. In 2006 my parents built a house on the family farm adjacent to my grandparents. Prior my grandparents used an artesian well to supply water to their home and feedlots. However, the well was at capacity. With the expansion of rural water, it allowed my parents to build a home in rural Beadle County without digging or maintaining a new well.

My grandparent's house and the feedlots by their house ran off an artesian well, until several years when the well broke. The artesian well was almost 40 years old and it had gone bad. By switching to rural water allowed them to have a continued water source for their home and the feedlots without digging a new well.

Rural water provides not only communities but rural areas with reliable, clean and safe water. As a fifth-generation farmer I am grateful for Mid Dakota Rural Water Systems and the benefits it provides to all users, humans and animals. It is an essential piece of rural areas growing and thriving. My goal is to live and work in the rural area after achieving my degree from Northern State University in Accounting and Agriculture Business and to continue to utilize the benefits of rural water.

****