Tom Jones jokes that stepping into his new role at BDM Rural Water System felt a bit like “drinking from a firehose.” Taking over during the heart of winter only added to the challenge, but a few months into the job, the new general manager is settling in and looking ahead to the system’s future.
Jones officially assumed management duties Jan. 1, following the retirement of longtime manager Rod Kappes. A Britton-area native, Jones grew up on a family farm south of town and remembers firsthand what it meant when rural water first came to the area.
“I remember when we were finally able to quit running the 400-foot-deep well that gave us no end of trouble,” he said. “We could simply drink good, clean water.”
After graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in range science and a business emphasis, Jones farmed for several years before transitioning into a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He spent more than two decades in government service, including time with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Rural Utilities Service, where he worked with electric cooperatives on financing.
That background, he said, has prepared him well for his new role.
“I’ve been working on the finance side of things in my past jobs,” Jones said. “I was a loan officer to electric co-ops. I’m more skilled on the finance side, but I’m responsible for operations as well. I’m lucky to have experts here to help me get up to speed.”
Jones now leads a team of seven employees responsible for delivering water across a large rural footprint stretching from Lake Traverse to Groton and from Andover to the North Dakota line. Covering that much ground brings challenges, including travel and aging infrastructure.
“Distance is a factor,” he said. “But the bigger concern is parts of the system are aging, especially on the west side where some pipes are more than 40 years old.”
Planning for those needs is a key priority. Jones said BDM is in a stronger financial position than in years past.
“We have gotten our financial house in order,” he said. “We’re in a strong position, which is important as we look at maintaining and replacing infrastructure.”
Jones said his leadership style focuses on supporting the team already in place.
“The buck stops at my desk, but they are the experts,” he said. “My goal is not to get in the way. I look at myself as a coach. If you have the right people, you support them and hold them accountable.”
One of the biggest developments for BDM is the nearly completed water treatment plant, expected to be fully online by the end of April.
“We’re already making water and have passed state tests,” Jones said. “Customers will benefit from having plenty of water available, especially during peak months.”
Looking ahead, he pointed to the Water Investment in Northern South Dakota project as a long term asset that could eventually bring Missouri River water into the region.
“We don’t need that source right now,” he said. “But in the future, it provides stability and opens the door for economic development.”
Rising costs remain a concern, particularly electricity and materials, while water sales have remained relatively flat.
“Sales have been flat while costs keep rising, so that puts pressure on rates,” Jones said. “We’ll evaluate that as a board and make sure our operating costs are covered.”
Jones also hopes customers understand their role in the system.
“They’re not just buying water, they’re the owners,” he said. “It’s a 24 7 operation, and there are challenges that come with that.”
Looking ahead, Jones sees rural water systems like BDM playing an important role in the region’s future.
“Having good, reliable, affordable water is a big deal,” he said. “We can be a backbone for communities and support development across northeast South Dakota.”
As he settles into the role, Jones said one of his top goals is ensuring the long term strength of the organization.
“The people are our most important asset,” he said. “Setting up the next generation to manage and operate BDM is critical.”
After years of working behind the scenes, Jones said he is enjoying the chance to connect more directly with customers.
“I love talking to people and working one on one,” he said. “I’m a people person. It’s important to me that people feel like they can come in, call or reach out anytime.”
