Is Dakota Dunes, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Dakota Dunes, SD — Water Quality Report
Dakota Dunes's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,700 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Dakota Dunes's water
Dakota Dunes ranks #41 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dakota Dunes, SD water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Dakota Dunes's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,700 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Dakota Dunes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dakota Dunes's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dakota Dunes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Dakota Dunes's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Union 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 Big Sioux River, Missouri River At Sioux City, Perry Creek Near Hinton, Perry Creek At 38Th Street At Sioux City.
Where does Dakota Dunes's water come from?
Dakota Dunes's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,700 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Sioux River (river), Missouri River At Sioux City (river), Perry Creek Near Hinton (river), Perry Creek At 38Th Street At Sioux City (river).
What Dakota Dunes 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Dakota Dunes'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 Dakota Dunes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dakota Dunes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 193 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALMONT COATINGS INC DBA SIOUXLAND GALVANIZING CORP. SIOUX CITY, IA51111 | Zinc compounds | 177 | 6.7 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION SIOUX CITY SIOUX CITY, IA51105 | Zinc compounds | 15 | 6.7 mi |
SIOUX CITY FOUNDRY CO SIOUX CITY, IA51105 | Lead | 1 | 5.3 mi |
STANDARD READY MIX CONCRETE CO SIOUX CITY PLANT SIOUX CITY, IA51105 | Lead | 0 | 4.9 mi |
SIOUXLAND CONCRETE CO SOUTH SIOUX CITY, NE68776 | Lead | 0 | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtUnion 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
Union 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dakota Dunes's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 7.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 7.600 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Dakota Dunes compares by contaminant
Explore where Dakota Dunes ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dakota Dunes's water comes from
Dakota Dunes's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dakota Dunes
Dakota Dunes is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dakota Dunes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAKOTA DUNES CID | SD4602093 | 3,700 | GUP |
How Dakota Dunes compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Dakota Dunes's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Dakota Dunes, SD
Wikipedia →Dakota Dunes is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP), master-planned residential and commercial development covering about 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) in Union County in the extreme southeast corner of the U.S. state of South Dakota. The population was 4,020 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dakota Dunes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Dakota Dunes, SD tap water safe to drink?
Dakota Dunes's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Dakota Dunes's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Dakota Dunes'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 Dakota Dunes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dakota Dunes's water come from?
Dakota Dunes's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,700 residents.
How does Dakota Dunes's water compare to other cities?
Dakota Dunes ranks #41 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 71% of state cities) and #2500 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.