Is Ipswich, 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 ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Ipswich, SD — Water Quality Report
Ipswich's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,078 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 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ipswich's water
Ipswich ranks #57 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, Ipswich may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ipswich, SD water safe to drink?
Ipswich's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,078 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ipswich
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ipswich's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1984). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ipswich's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ipswich's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Edmunds County has experienced 9 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 Ipswich's water come from?
Ipswich's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,078 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Ipswich residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ipswich'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.
Ipswich'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
Flood & disaster history
Edmunds County has experienced 9 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 Ipswich compares by contaminant
Explore where Ipswich ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ipswich's water comes from
Ipswich'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 1,078 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Ipswich
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPSWICH | SD4600397 | 928 | SWP |
| DEERFIELD COLONY | SD4602056 | 150 | GW |
How Ipswich compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Ipswich's score of 87.5/100 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 Ipswich, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ipswich's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Edmunds
Frequently asked questions
Is Ipswich, SD tap water safe to drink?
Ipswich's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #57 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Ipswich's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Ipswich'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 Ipswich?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ipswich's water come from?
Ipswich's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,078 residents.
What health violations has Ipswich's water system had?
Ipswich has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ipswich's water compare to other cities?
Ipswich ranks #57 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 60% of state cities) and #4033 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.