Is Humboldt, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Humboldt, SD — Water Quality Report
Humboldt's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 579 residents using purchased ground 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 19 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Humboldt's water
Humboldt ranks #49 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Humboldt 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, Humboldt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Humboldt, SD water safe to drink?
Humboldt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 579 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Humboldt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Humboldt's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). 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: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Humboldt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Humboldt's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Minnehaha County has experienced 6 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 Humboldt's water come from?
Humboldt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 579 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Humboldt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Humboldt'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.
Humboldt'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 Humboldt
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Humboldt, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMCAST PIPE & PRECAST LLC HARTFORD, SD57033 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMinnehaha County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Minnehaha County has experienced 6 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 Humboldt compares by contaminant
Explore where Humboldt ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Humboldt's water comes from
Humboldt 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 Humboldt'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 579 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Humboldt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUMBOLDT | SD4600167 | 579 | GWP |
How Humboldt compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Humboldt's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Humboldt, SD
Wikipedia →Humboldt is a city in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 579 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Humboldt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Minnehaha
Frequently asked questions
Is Humboldt, SD tap water safe to drink?
Humboldt's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #49 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Humboldt's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Humboldt'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 Humboldt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Humboldt's water come from?
Humboldt's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 579 residents.
What health violations has Humboldt's water system had?
Humboldt has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Humboldt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Humboldt 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 19 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 Humboldt's water compare to other cities?
Humboldt ranks #49 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 65% of state cities) and #3379 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Humboldt's small water system affect quality?
Humboldt's system serves approximately 579 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 19 violations on record.