Is Fort Pierre, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
waterverge.com Fort Pierre, SD — Water Quality Report
Fort Pierre's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,140 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 29 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Pierre's water
Fort Pierre ranks #80 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Fort Pierre may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Pierre, SD water safe to drink?
Fort Pierre's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,140 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Pierre
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Pierre's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1984). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Pierre'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
Fort Pierre's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stanley County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Missouri River, Bad River, Missouri R Bl La Framboise Island,.
Where does Fort Pierre's water come from?
Fort Pierre's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,140 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River (river), Bad River (river), Missouri R Bl La Framboise Island, (river).
What Fort Pierre residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Pierre'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.
Fort Pierre'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 droughtStanley 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
Stanley County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Pierre'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Pierre compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Pierre ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Pierre's water comes from
Fort Pierre'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,140 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Pierre
Fort Pierre is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fort Pierre
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT PIERRE | SD4600130 | 2,115 | SWP |
| MNI WICONI WTP / CORELINE | 084690026 | 25 | SW |
How Fort Pierre compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Fort Pierre's score of 84.4/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →ZIP codes served by Fort Pierre
The water systems serving Fort Pierre cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Fort Pierre, SD
Wikipedia →Fort Pierre is a city in Stanley County, South Dakota, United States. It is part of the Pierre, South Dakota micropolitan area and the county seat of Stanley County. The population was 2,115 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Pierre's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stanley
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Pierre, SD tap water safe to drink?
Fort Pierre's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #80 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Fort Pierre's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Fort Pierre'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 Pierre?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Pierre's water come from?
Fort Pierre's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,140 residents.
What health violations has Fort Pierre's water system had?
Fort Pierre has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fort Pierre's water compare to other cities?
Fort Pierre ranks #80 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 43% of state cities) and #5915 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.