Sturgis braces for costly service line excavations ahead of 2027 Lead and Copper Rule deadline

Sturgis braces for costly service line excavations ahead of 2027 Lead and Copper Rule deadlineThe South Dakota utility has reduced its unknown service lines to 331, but faces a looming federal mandate to physically excavate at least 20% of the remaining unknowns to verify materials.

Water Superintendent Todd Youngberg reported the city has narrowed its unknown residential service lines to 331 out of 3,200 total accounts.

Only 17 service lines remain unidentified on the city's side of the curb stop.

Starting in 2027, Sturgis must physically expose at least 20% of its unknown lines, requiring nearly 70 excavations that will impact sidewalks and asphalt.

The city will utilize a state consulting engineering firm to strategize the excavation locations; failing to do so would require excavating 100% of the unknown lines.

Public Works Director Rick Bush confirmed the Well 8 project has closed out slightly under budget and is now in production.

The City of Sturgis, South Dakota, is confronting a significant operational and financial hurdle as it works to comply with federal Lead and Copper Rule mandates. During the June 23, 2026, Municipal Utility Board meeting, Water Superintendent Todd Youngberg detailed the city's ongoing efforts to identify unknown water service lines before a 2027 deadline forces the utility to begin physical excavations. Youngberg reported that persistent surveying efforts, including door-to-door visits and repeated notices, have reduced the number of unknown residential lines to 331 out of the city's 3,200 total accounts. On the municipal side of the curb stop, only 17 lines remain unidentified after a thorough review of as-built records. However, the next phase of the EPA-mandated program will require the utility to physically expose and verify a minimum of 20% of the remaining unknown lines. Youngberg estimated this will require digging nearly 70 holes throughout the city beginning in 2027. "This is going to be a very large expense," Youngberg told the board, noting that excavations will often require tearing up and replacing sidewalks and asphalt. To manage the burden, Sturgis plans to use a state-provided consulting engineering firm to determine the most strategic locations to dig to meet the 20% threshold. If the city does not utilize the consultant's formula, they would be required to excavate 100% of the unknown lines. Despite the regulatory burden, officials noted that Sturgis has consistently tested well below the maximum allowed limits for lead. To clear the remaining unknown lines without digging, the utility is resorting to painting curb stops and warning uncooperative residents that denying access for inspections could result in water shutoffs, as permitted by board regulations. In other water infrastructure news, Public Works Director Rick Bush reported that the city's Well 8 project has officially closed out slightly under budget, and the well is now actively producing for the system. The board also approved utility claims, which included a $5,097 payment to Watt Works LLC for a replacement control panel on Well 1. Financially, a recent restructuring of water billing—which included 2,000 gallons in the base rate, slightly raised production rates, and ceased billing city facilities—has proven successful, keeping 2026 year-to-date revenues slightly above 2025 levels. However, the utility is currently navigating severe staffing shortages, operating with just one water operator and one meter reader while two positions remain vacant with no applicants.