Meter building dedicated in honor of Sid Munson

A large crowd gathered in Tea on July 24 to honor longtime resident, former councilman, and water advocate Sid Munson with a special dedication ceremony. 

The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System officially named its Tea meter building in Munson’s honor, recognizing his decades of tireless service to both the city and the water system.

Family, friends, and colleagues joined officials from the City of Tea, the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS), and Lewis & Clark to celebrate the occasion. 

Former Tea Mayor John Lawler and Lewis & Clark Chairman Murray Hulstein of Sioux Center shared remarks highlighting Munson’s deep-rooted commitment to providing high-quality water to the growing community.

Hulstein thanked everyone for coming and honoring Munson.

The last major event held at the site was in 2008, when Tea and Harrisburg began receiving water through an emergency connection from Sioux Falls. Nearly 17 years later, the meter building now stands as a symbol of Munson’s enduring legacy in water development.

At the Lewis & Clark annual meeting in June, Munson was surprised with the organization’s highest honor—the Trailblazer Award—along with the announcement that the Tea meter building would bear his name.

“Like the vision and perseverance shown by our namesake explorers, the award and meter building dedication are recognition of Sid going above and beyond in his distinguished and dedicated service to Lewis & Clark,” Hulstein said.

Munson has served on the Lewis & Clark board and various committees for 22 years, including representation on the SDARWS board for the past seven. 

Munson previously served on the Tea City Council for 21 years and also worked in the city’s public works department.

“Regardless of his paid positions or volunteer positions, water has been at the forefront of everything Sid has done,” said Hulstein. “Sid is passionate about his family and golf, but a close third is his passion for water development.”

That passion was even recognized in 2021 when water from Munson’s home tap—sourced 100% from Lewis & Clark—won the Best Tasting Water Award in South Dakota.

“Sid takes his board responsibilities very seriously,” said Hulstein. “He’s not afraid to speak up or go against the grain. We’re lucky to have him. This is a well-deserved honor for his lifelong passion for water development, as well as everything he has done through the years to help get Lewis & Clark to where it is today. ”

As the dedication concluded, Hulstein offered a final tribute: “May all who enter this building in the future be reminded of what an incredible impact you have had on the City of Tea and the tristate region for generations to come.”