Is Gettysburg, 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 ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Gettysburg, SD — Water Quality Report
Gettysburg's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,162 residents using purchased surface 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gettysburg's water
Gettysburg ranks #33 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it above 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, Gettysburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gettysburg, SD water safe to drink?
Gettysburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,162 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gettysburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gettysburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4718). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gettysburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gettysburg's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Potter County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Gettysburg's water come from?
Gettysburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,162 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Gettysburg 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.
Gettysburg'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Gettysburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gettysburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHS GETTYSBURG FEED GETTYSBURG, SD57442 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Potter County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Gettysburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Gettysburg ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gettysburg's water comes from
Gettysburg'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 1,162 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gettysburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GETTYSBURG | SD4600142 | 1,162 | SWP |
How Gettysburg compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Gettysburg's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Gettysburg, SD
Wikipedia →Gettysburg is a city in and the county seat of Potter County, South Dakota, United States, along the 45th parallel. The population was 1,104 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gettysburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Potter
Frequently asked questions
Is Gettysburg, SD tap water safe to drink?
Gettysburg's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Gettysburg's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Gettysburg'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 Gettysburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gettysburg's water come from?
Gettysburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,162 residents.
How does Gettysburg's water compare to other cities?
Gettysburg ranks #33 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 77% of state cities) and #1880 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gettysburg's small water system affect quality?
Gettysburg's system serves approximately 1,162 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 10 violations on record.