Is Elkton, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Elkton, SD — Water Quality Report
Elkton's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 874 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 62 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elkton's water
Elkton ranks #60 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Elkton 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, Elkton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkton, SD water safe to drink?
Elkton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 874 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elkton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Ethylbenzene, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1984). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elkton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elkton's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brookings County has experienced 8 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 Spring Creek.
Where does Elkton's water come from?
Elkton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 874 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Spring Creek (river).
What Elkton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elkton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Elkton'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
D1 — moderate droughtBrookings County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Brookings County has experienced 8 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elkton compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkton ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkton's water comes from
Elkton 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 Elkton'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 874 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Elkton
Elkton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elkton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKTON | SD4600117 | 755 | GWP |
| NEWDALE COLONY | SD4602081 | 119 | GW |
How Elkton compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Elkton's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Elkton, SD
Wikipedia →Elkton is a city in Brookings County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 755 at the 2020 census. Some of Elkton's population also have Minnesota addresses since the city is located so close to the state line.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brookings
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkton, SD tap water safe to drink?
Elkton's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #60 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Elkton's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Elkton'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 Elkton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkton's water come from?
Elkton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 874 residents.
What health violations has Elkton's water system had?
Elkton has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elkton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkton 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 62 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 Elkton's water compare to other cities?
Elkton ranks #60 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 57% of state cities) and #4093 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.