Is Hill City, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Hill City, SD — Water Quality Report
Hill City's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,052 residents using groundwater.
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 104 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hill City's water
Hill City ranks #68 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hill City relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Hill City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hill City, SD water safe to drink?
Hill City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,052 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hill City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hill City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hill City'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
Hill City's water system has 104 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pennington 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 Battle Creek Above Keystone,Sd, Grizzly Bear Creek, Grace Coolidge Creek, Spring Creek, Sunday Gulch Below Johnson Canyon Nr Hill City,Sd.
Where does Hill City's water come from?
Hill City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,052 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Battle Creek Above Keystone,Sd (river), Grizzly Bear Creek (river), Grace Coolidge Creek (river), Spring Creek (river), Sunday Gulch Below Johnson Canyon Nr Hill City,Sd (river).
What Hill City 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.
Hill City'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
D3 — extreme droughtPennington 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.
Flood & disaster history
Pennington 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 Hill City'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hill City compares by contaminant
Explore where Hill City ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hill City's water comes from
Hill City's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,052 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hill City
Hill City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hill City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HILL CITY | SD4600159 | 872 | GW |
| APPLE SPRINGS SUBDIVISION | SD4602318 | 180 | GW |
How Hill City compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Hill City's score of 86.2/100 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 →About Hill City, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hill City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pennington
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill City, SD tap water safe to drink?
Hill City's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Hill City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 104 violations are on record.
How is Hill City'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 Hill City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hill City's water come from?
Hill City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,052 residents.
What health violations has Hill City's water system had?
Hill City has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hill City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hill City 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 104 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 Hill City's water compare to other cities?
Hill City ranks #68 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 52% of state cities) and #4878 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.