The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reminds irrigators to check their center pivots to ensure they are operating properly and are adjusted to spray only upon land authorized for irrigation by their water permit.
“It is important that irrigators do everything they can to avoid overspraying onto nearby roads or neighboring properties,” said DENR Secretary Steve Pirner. “Irrigation overspray can damage roadways, lead to unsafe driving conditions and impact neighbors.”
A water right holder is not allowed to waste water or operate an irrigation system in violation of state water law, which includes spraying water on land not covered by the water permit. Irrigation systems and especially end guns must be constantly monitored to make sure they are not applying water where it is not allowed. Irrigators who fail to prevent overspray can be subject to fines or required to appear before the Water Management Board for possible suspension of their right to irrigate.
South Dakota has nearly 5,300 active irrigation permits authorizing irrigation of up to 879,000 acres.
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