Is Highmore, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Highmore, SD — Water Quality Report
Highmore's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 682 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 75 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Highmore's water
Highmore ranks #51 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.
As a small community water system, Highmore may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Highmore, SD water safe to drink?
Highmore's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 682 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Highmore
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Highmore's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1984). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Highmore's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Highmore's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hyde County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Highmore's water come from?
Highmore's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 682 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Highmore residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Highmore'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.
Highmore'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 droughtHyde 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
Hyde County has experienced 7 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Highmore compares by contaminant
Explore where Highmore ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Highmore's water comes from
Highmore'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 682 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Highmore
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHMORE | SD4600158 | 682 | SWP |
How Highmore compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Highmore's score of 88.3/100 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 Highmore, SD
Wikipedia →Highmore is a city in and the county seat of Hyde County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 682 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Highmore's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hyde
Frequently asked questions
Is Highmore, SD tap water safe to drink?
Highmore's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Highmore's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Highmore'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 Highmore?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Highmore's water come from?
Highmore's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 682 residents.
What health violations has Highmore's water system had?
Highmore has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Highmore's water compare to other cities?
Highmore ranks #51 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 64% of state cities) and #3555 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Highmore's small water system affect quality?
Highmore's system serves approximately 682 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 75 violations on record.