Is Chamberlain, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Chamberlain, SD — Water Quality Report
Chamberlain's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,740 residents using surface water.
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 56 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chamberlain's water
Chamberlain ranks #73 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Chamberlain may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chamberlain, SD water safe to drink?
Chamberlain's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,740 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chamberlain
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chamberlain's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chamberlain's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chamberlain's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Brule County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Lake Francis Case.
Where does Chamberlain's water come from?
Chamberlain's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,740 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Francis Case (lake).
What Chamberlain residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chamberlain'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.
Chamberlain'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBrule 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
Brule County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Chamberlain compares by contaminant
Explore where Chamberlain ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chamberlain's water comes from
Chamberlain's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,740 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Chamberlain
Chamberlain is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Chamberlain
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAMBERLAIN | SD4600086 | 2,473 | SW |
| PUKWANA | SD4600250 | 267 | SWP |
How Chamberlain compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Chamberlain's score of 85.7/100 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 Chamberlain, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chamberlain's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brule
Frequently asked questions
Is Chamberlain, SD tap water safe to drink?
Chamberlain's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Chamberlain's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Chamberlain'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 Chamberlain?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chamberlain's water come from?
Chamberlain's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,740 residents.
What health violations has Chamberlain's water system had?
Chamberlain has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chamberlain's water compare to other cities?
Chamberlain ranks #73 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 48% of state cities) and #5154 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.