Is Black Hawk, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 128 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51/100
waterverge.com Black Hawk, SD — Water Quality Report
Black Hawk's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 48 water systems serve approximately 11,028 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 2565 violations on record, including 350 health-based violations. 128 remain unresolved.
What to know about Black Hawk's water
Black Hawk ranks #131 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Black Hawk 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.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Black Hawk, SD water safe to drink?
Black Hawk's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 48 water systems serve approximately 11,028 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Black Hawk
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Black Hawk's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). 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 Black Hawk's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Black Hawk's water system has 2,565 total violations on record, including 350 health-based violations. 128 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Meade County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Rapid Creek, Victoria Creek, Wild Irishman Gulch, Cleghorn Springs, South Canyon.
Where does Black Hawk's water come from?
Black Hawk's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 48 water systems serving approximately 11,028 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rapid Creek (river), Victoria Creek (river), Wild Irishman Gulch (river), Cleghorn Springs (river), South Canyon (river).
What Black Hawk residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Black Hawk'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.
Black Hawk'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPennington County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Meade County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Black Hawk compares by contaminant
Explore where Black Hawk ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Black Hawk's water comes from
Black Hawk'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 11,028 people through 48 water systems.
Water bodies near Black Hawk
Black Hawk is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Black Hawk
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT | SD4600043 | 4,500 | GW |
| NORTHDALE SANITARY DISTRICT | SD4600514 | 1,075 | GW |
| TERRY TROJAN WATER DISTRICT | SD4600053 | 400 | GW |
| GOLDEN VALLEY WATER COMPANY | SD4602261 | 283 | GW |
| WOODLAND HILLS SANITARY DISTRICT | SD4600042 | 255 | GW |
| VALLEY VIEW WATER COMPANY | SD4600040 | 248 | GW |
| SUNNYSIDE MOBILE HOME PARK II | SD4602001 | 235 | GW |
| DRY CREEK ESTATES | SD4602241 | 233 | GW |
| VIEWFIELD RURAL WATER SYSTEM | SD4602287 | 220 | GW |
| PLAINSVIEW MOBILE MANOR | SD4600259 | 210 | GW |
| PINE HILLS PARK | SD4600041 | 200 | GWP |
| RENDEZVOUS RANCH | SD4602210 | 195 | GW |
| PINE CLIFF ESTATES | SD4600270 | 180 | GW |
| SPRING CREEK ACRES | SD4602252 | 172 | GW |
| RAPID CITY MOBILE HOME PARK | SD4600257 | 170 | GW |
| RUSHMORE RANCH ESTATES | SD4602212 | 168 | GW |
| CANYON SPRINGS WATER AND SEWER DISTR | SD4602311 | 163 | GW |
| HIGH MEADOWS WATER COMPANY | SD4600395 | 140 | GW |
| MIDLAND HEIGHTS | SD4600515 | 130 | GW |
| EAST RIDGE ACRES | SD4601000 | 118 | GW |
| COUNTRY ROAD ESTATES | SD4602204 | 112 | GW |
| PRAIRIE HAVEN SUBDIVISION | SD4602322 | 105 | GW |
| D & E WATER COMPANY | SD4600392 | 100 | GW |
| GOLDEN MEADOWS | SD4600516 | 96 | GW |
| QUAAL WATER ASSOCIATION | SD4602127 | 95 | GW |
| HEARTLAND COUNTRY RANCHETTES | SD4602235 | 95 | GW |
| OAK MOUNTAIN COUNTRY ESTATES | SD4602151 | 85 | GW |
| PEACEFUL PINES II | SD4602000 | 71 | GW |
| EDELWEISS MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENT ASSOC | SD4600273 | 70 | GW |
| THRALL MTN. PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIAT | SD4600513 | 70 | GW |
| WILD TURKEY ESTATES II | SD4602282 | 70 | GW |
| CROOKED OAKS CANYON HOMEOWNERS | SD4600915 | 65 | GW |
| SHIRT TAIL GULCH DEVELOPMENT | SD4602232 | 65 | GW |
| WHISPERING WILLOWS | SD4602094 | 64 | GWP |
| HIGH MEADOWS RANCHETTES | SD4600011 | 60 | GW |
| OWANKA RURAL WATER SYSTEM | SD4602310 | 52 | GW |
| AUTUMN MEADOWS SANITARY DISTRICT | SD4602240 | 49 | GW |
| EAGLE WATER COMPANY | SD4602307 | 48 | SW |
| CENTENNIAL VISTA ESTATES | SD4602280 | 44 | GW |
| SACORA MOBILE HOME PARK | SD4600546 | 42 | GWP |
| 76 RANCH ESTATES | SD4602259 | 40 | GW |
| VALHALLA ADDITION | SD4602211 | 38 | GW |
| HIGH SHERIDAN RANCH | SD4602234 | 38 | GW |
| PILLAR PEAK | SD4602326 | 38 | GW |
| WILD TURKEY ESTATES I | SD4602281 | 33 | GW |
| THE TIMBERS | SD4602376 | 33 | GW |
| NORRIS PEAK WATER USERS ASSOC | SD4602349 | 30 | GW |
| THREE PEAKS WATER ASSOCIATION | SD4602401 | 25 | GWP |
How Black Hawk compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Black Hawk's score of 51/100 is below the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Black Hawk, SD
Wikipedia →Black Hawk is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Meade County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 3,026 at the 2020 census. Black Hawk has been assigned the ZIP code of 57718. Located along Interstate 90, Black Hawk is part of the Rapid City metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Black Hawk's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Meade
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Hawk, SD tap water safe to drink?
Black Hawk's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #131 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Black Hawk's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 2565 violations are on record.
How is Black Hawk'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 Black Hawk?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Black Hawk's water come from?
Black Hawk's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 48 water systems serving approximately 11,028 residents.
What health violations has Black Hawk's water system had?
Black Hawk has 350 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 128 violations remain unresolved.
Is Black Hawk's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Black Hawk 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 2565 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 Black Hawk's water compare to other cities?
Black Hawk ranks #131 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 7% of state cities) and #12918 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.