Is Edgemont, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Edgemont, SD — Water Quality Report
Edgemont's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
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 424 violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Edgemont's water
Edgemont ranks #133 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Edgemont 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, Edgemont may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Edgemont, SD water safe to drink?
Edgemont's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Edgemont
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Edgemont's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Edgemont's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Edgemont's water system has 424 total violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fall River County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Cheyenne River.
Where does Edgemont's water come from?
Edgemont's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cheyenne River (river).
What Edgemont residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Edgemont'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.
Edgemont'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
D3 — extreme droughtFall River County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Fall River County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Edgemont compares by contaminant
Explore where Edgemont ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Edgemont's water comes from
Edgemont'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 750 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Edgemont
Edgemont is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Edgemont
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDGEMONT | SD4600114 | 725 | GW |
| PROVO AREA WATER SYSTEM | SD4600396 | 25 | GW |
How Edgemont compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Edgemont's score of 50/100 is below the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Edgemont, SD
Wikipedia →Edgemont is a city in Fall River County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 725 at the 2020 census. The city lies on the far southern edge of the Black Hills in southwestern South Dakota.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Edgemont's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fall River
Frequently asked questions
Is Edgemont, SD tap water safe to drink?
Edgemont's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #133 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Edgemont's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 424 violations are on record.
How is Edgemont'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 Edgemont?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Edgemont's water come from?
Edgemont's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Edgemont's water system had?
Edgemont has 46 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Edgemont's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Edgemont 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 424 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 Edgemont's water compare to other cities?
Edgemont ranks #133 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 6% of state cities) and #13176 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.