Is Canton, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
95.2/100
waterverge.com Canton, SD — Water Quality Report
Canton's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,066 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 32 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Canton's water
Canton ranks #3 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Canton 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, Canton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canton, SD water safe to drink?
Canton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A+ (95.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,066 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Canton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canton's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Carbon tetrachloride, CHLOROBENZENE.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Barium, Cadmium, Chromium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Canton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canton's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 8 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.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,066 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Canton residents can do
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.
Canton'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 Canton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Canton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OMEGA LINER CO INC. CANTON, SD57013 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLincoln 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
Lincoln County has experienced 8 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canton compares by contaminant
Explore where Canton ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canton's water comes from
Canton'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 3,066 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Canton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANTON | SD4600082 | 3,066 | GW |
How Canton compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Canton's score of 95.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Canton, SD
Wikipedia →Canton is a city in South Dakota and the county seat of Lincoln County, South Dakota, United States. Canton is located 18 miles south of Sioux Falls in southeastern South Dakota. Canton is nestled in the rolling hills of the Sioux Valley, providing an abundance of recreational activities with the Big Sioux River bordering the eastern side, Newton Hills State Park to the south, and Lake Alvin to the north. The city was named by Norwegian settler and former legislator James M. Wahl. The population was 3,066 as of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Canton, SD tap water safe to drink?
Canton's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Canton's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Canton'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 Canton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,066 residents.
Is Canton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Canton 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 32 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 Canton's water compare to other cities?
Canton ranks #3 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 98% of state cities) and #339 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Canton's small water system affect quality?
Canton's system serves approximately 3,066 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 32 violations on record.