The city of Faith and the Fall River Water Users District will receive federal money for new wells to help offset water losses caused by persistent drought.

Faith will get $260,000, and the Fall River Water Users District will get $275,000, which is part of $2.3 million awarded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for drought-relief projects in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Arizona and California. The drought assistance funding was made available in the Supplemental Appropriations Act signed May 27, according to a news release.

Faith will use its money to drill a new municipal well to supplement deliveries it has received from the Tri-County Water System to ensure an adequate supply of water. The city usually received 130 gallons per minute, but because of drought, it receives only 80 gallons per minute. Because of this, water rationing has been instituted in the city to ensure enough supply in the community.

The Fall River Water Users District will drill a well to provide water for both livestock and rural customers. The district serves about 300 connections for pasture taps for stock ponds and tanks and about 500 residential customers, the largest being the community of Oelrichs. The water system relies on receiving water from the city of Hot Springs, but because of drought, the city is unable to deliver its contract water supply, according to the news release.