PACTOLA, S.D. — Persistent heat and below-average precipitation have pushed Pactola Reservoir to its lowest level in years, with water levels now sitting about 20 feet below full capacity.
According to Pactola Marina co-owner Angie Weaver told KELOLAND News, the reservoir has recently been losing three to six inches of water per day, forcing the closure of the south boat ramp after water depths shrank to just a few inches for nearly 150 yards.
The reservoir began the summer about nine feet below full, the same level at which it ended 2025, and continued dry conditions combined with a light winter have accelerated the decline. The last comparable low-water period occurred in 2007, when the reservoir dropped nearly 50 feet below full before recovering the following year.
Pactola Reservoir is a key water source for Rapid Creek and the City of Rapid City, which has extended water-use restrictions in an effort to slow the decline. Weaver said the conservation measures have likely helped prevent an even faster drop in water levels.
Rapid City plans to keep water restrictions in place through the year as officials work to preserve water supplies until winter conditions improve the situation.
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