Is Alcester, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Alcester, SD — Water Quality Report
Alcester's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alcester's water
Alcester ranks #75 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Alcester purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Alcester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alcester, SD water safe to drink?
Alcester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alcester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alcester's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alcester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alcester's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Big Sioux River.
Where does Alcester's water come from?
Alcester's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 820 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Sioux River (river).
What Alcester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alcester's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Alcester's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Alcester
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alcester, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING - HUDSON HUDSON, SD57034 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtUnion County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Union County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alcester compares by contaminant
Explore where Alcester ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alcester's water comes from
Alcester purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Alcester's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 820 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alcester
Alcester is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alcester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALCESTER | SD4600004 | 820 | GWP |
How Alcester compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Alcester's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Alcester, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alcester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Alcester, SD tap water safe to drink?
Alcester's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #75 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Alcester's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Alcester's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alcester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alcester's water come from?
Alcester's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 820 residents.
Is Alcester's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alcester uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 12 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alcester's water compare to other cities?
Alcester ranks #75 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 47% of state cities) and #5311 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alcester's small water system affect quality?
Alcester's system serves approximately 820 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 12 violations on record.