WATERTOWN, S.D. (Press Release) – Gov. Kristi Noem activated 13 members of the South Dakota Army National Guard to help distribute water to communities on the Pine Ridge Reservation after recent floodwaters have washed out a county rural waterline.
The Soldiers from Watertown-based Company A, 139th Brigade Support Battalion, will provide drinkable water to those in need in the communities of Red Shirt, Pine Ridge, Porcupine, Evergreen and Wounded Knee.
The Soldiers deployed with five Load Handling System vehicles equipped with five Compatible Water Tank Racks, or “Hippos.” The Hippo has the capability to receive, store and distribute up to 2,000 gallons of potable water per system.
The National Guard members will be providing water to the public from a central location in each community until the waterline is restored. Residents should bring with them plastic bottles, containers or receptacles to receive the water.