Is Fort Meade, 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 ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Fort Meade, SD — Water Quality Report
Fort Meade's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 67 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Meade's water
Fort Meade ranks #53 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Fort Meade may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Meade, SD water safe to drink?
Fort Meade's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Meade
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Meade's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3234). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Meade's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Fort Meade's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Meade County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Whitewood Creek, Bear Butte Creek, Vanocker Creek, Deadman Gulch.
Where does Fort Meade's water come from?
Fort Meade's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Whitewood Creek (river), Bear Butte Creek (river), Vanocker Creek (river), Deadman Gulch (river).
What Fort Meade 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.
Fort Meade'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
D2 — severe droughtMeade 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
Meade County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fort Meade'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Meade compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Meade ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Meade's water comes from
Fort Meade's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by federal ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fort Meade
Fort Meade is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fort Meade
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT MEADE VA CENTER | SD4680002 | 800 | SW |
How Fort Meade compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Fort Meade's score of 88/100 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 Fort Meade, SD
Wikipedia →Fort Meade, originally known as Camp Sturgis and later Camp Ruhlen, is a former United States Army post located just east of Sturgis, South Dakota, United States. The fort was active from 1878 to 1944; the cantonment is currently home to a Veterans Health Administration hospital and South Dakota Army National Guard training facilities. Much of the former reservation is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management as the Fort Meade Recreation Area. It is also home of Fort Meade National Cemetery. Fort Meade was established in 1878 to protect white settlements in the northern Black Hills, especially the nearby gold mining area around Deadwood. Several stage and freighting routes passed through Fort Meade en route to Deadwood.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Meade's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Meade
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Meade, SD tap water safe to drink?
Fort Meade's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #53 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Fort Meade's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Fort Meade'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 Fort Meade?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Meade's water come from?
Fort Meade's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Fort Meade's water system had?
Fort Meade has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fort Meade's water compare to other cities?
Fort Meade ranks #53 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 62% of state cities) and #3732 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Meade's small water system affect quality?
Fort Meade's system serves approximately 800 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 67 violations on record.