Is Batesland, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 34 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.4/100
waterverge.com Batesland, SD — Water Quality Report
Batesland's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,848 residents using groundwater.
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 347 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Batesland's water
Batesland ranks #119 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Batesland relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Batesland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Batesland, SD water safe to drink?
Batesland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,848 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Batesland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Batesland's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.4/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3234). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Batesland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Batesland's water system has 347 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oglala Lakota County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1997. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Batesland's water come from?
Batesland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,848 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Batesland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Batesland'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.
Batesland'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
Flood & disaster history
Oglala Lakota County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Batesland compares by contaminant
Explore where Batesland ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Batesland's water comes from
Batesland's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 2,848 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Batesland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOLF CREEK SCHOOL | 084690538 | 1,450 | GW |
| LAKOTA TECH HIGH SCHOOL | SD4600332 | 1,250 | GW |
| BATESLAND | SD4600036 | 148 | SWP |
How Batesland compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Batesland's score of 70.4/100 is on par with the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →ZIP codes served by Batesland
The water systems serving Batesland cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Batesland, SD
Wikipedia →Batesland is a town in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 100 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Batesland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shannon
Frequently asked questions
Is Batesland, SD tap water safe to drink?
Batesland's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #119 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Batesland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 347 violations are on record.
How is Batesland'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 Batesland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Batesland's water come from?
Batesland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,848 residents.
What health violations has Batesland's water system had?
Batesland has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
Is Batesland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Batesland 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 347 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 Batesland's water compare to other cities?
Batesland ranks #119 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 16% of state cities) and #10738 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.