Is Colman, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.5/100
waterverge.com Colman, SD — Water Quality Report
Colman's drinking water received a grade of A (93.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 634 residents using purchased ground 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 54 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colman's water
Colman ranks #12 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Colman 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, Colman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colman, SD water safe to drink?
Colman's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 634 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colman's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.5/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colman's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Moody 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 Skunk Creek.
Where does Colman's water come from?
Colman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 634 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Skunk Creek (river).
What Colman 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.
Colman'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 Colman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAKOTA ETHANOL LLC WENTWORTH, SD57075 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMoody 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
Moody 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colman compares by contaminant
Explore where Colman ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colman's water comes from
Colman 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 Colman'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 634 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colman
Colman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLMAN | SD4600093 | 634 | GWP |
How Colman compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Colman's score of 93.5/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Colman, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Moody
Frequently asked questions
Is Colman, SD tap water safe to drink?
Colman's water quality earned a grade of A (93.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Colman's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Colman'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 Colman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colman's water come from?
Colman's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 634 residents.
What health violations has Colman's water system had?
Colman has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2005. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colman 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 54 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 Colman's water compare to other cities?
Colman ranks #12 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 91% of state cities) and #830 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colman's small water system affect quality?
Colman's system serves approximately 634 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 54 violations on record.