Is Colton, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Colton, SD — Water Quality Report
Colton's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using purchased ground water.
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 48 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colton's water
Colton ranks #27 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Colton 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, Colton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colton, SD water safe to drink?
Colton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colton's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Minnehaha County has experienced 6 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 Colton's water come from?
Colton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 738 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 Colton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colton'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.
Colton'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 Colton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROSENBAUER SOUTH DAKOTA LLC LYONS, SD57041 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMinnehaha 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
Minnehaha County has experienced 6 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colton compares by contaminant
Explore where Colton ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colton's water comes from
Colton 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 Colton'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 738 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colton
Colton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLTON | SD4600390 | 738 | GWP |
How Colton compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Colton's score of 91.7/100 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 Colton, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Minnehaha
Frequently asked questions
Is Colton, SD tap water safe to drink?
Colton's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Colton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Colton'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 Colton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colton's water come from?
Colton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 738 residents.
What health violations has Colton's water system had?
Colton has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colton 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 48 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 Colton's water compare to other cities?
Colton ranks #27 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 81% of state cities) and #1551 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colton's small water system affect quality?
Colton's system serves approximately 738 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 48 violations on record.