Is Gayville, 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 ↓
70.5/100
waterverge.com Gayville, SD — Water Quality Report
Gayville's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 647 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 56 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gayville's water
Gayville ranks #118 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Gayville 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, Gayville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gayville, SD water safe to drink?
Gayville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 647 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gayville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gayville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gayville'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
Gayville's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Gayville's water come from?
Gayville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 647 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gayville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gayville'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.
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 Gayville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gayville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BALDWIN FILTERS INC YANKTON, SD57078 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC YANKTON, SD57078 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
KNIFE RIVER-YANKTON YANKTON, SD57078 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtYankton 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gayville'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. | 5.0 | 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. | 1.92 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.920 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Gayville compares by contaminant
Explore where Gayville ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gayville's water comes from
Gayville 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 Gayville'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 647 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Gayville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAYVILLE | SD4600140 | 392 | GWP |
| MISSION HILL | SD4600212 | 190 | SWP |
| UTICA | SD4600338 | 65 | SWP |
How Gayville compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Gayville's score of 70.5/100 is on par with the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gayville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yankton
Frequently asked questions
Is Gayville, SD tap water safe to drink?
Gayville's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #118 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Gayville's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Gayville'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 Gayville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gayville's water come from?
Gayville's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 647 residents.
What health violations has Gayville's water system had?
Gayville has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gayville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gayville 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 56 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 Gayville's water compare to other cities?
Gayville ranks #118 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 16% of state cities) and #10733 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.