Is Lead, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.6/100
waterverge.com Lead, SD — Water Quality Report
Lead's drinking water received a grade of B (75.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,763 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 261 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lead's water
Lead ranks #112 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lead, SD water safe to drink?
Lead's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,763 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lead
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lead's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3234). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1173). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lead's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lead's water system has 261 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 6 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 Spearfish Creek Nr Lead, Annie Creek, Cleopatra Creek, Spearfish Creek, Whitetail Creek.
Where does Lead's water come from?
Lead's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 3,763 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spearfish Creek Nr Lead (river), Annie Creek (river), Cleopatra Creek (river), Spearfish Creek (river), Whitetail Creek (river).
What Lead residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lead'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.
Lead'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 Lead
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lead, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,828 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WHARF RESOURCES LEAD, SD57754 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3,828 | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lead
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GILT EDGE MINE5.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLawrence 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
Lawrence County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Lead compares by contaminant
Explore where Lead ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lead's water comes from
Lead'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 3,763 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Lead
Lead is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lead
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEAD | SD4602164 | 2,982 | SWP |
| TERRY TROJAN WATER DISTRICT | SD4600053 | 400 | GW |
| PARADISE WATER COMPANY LLC | SD4602323 | 178 | SWP |
| DEER MOUNTAIN SANITARY DISTRICT | SD4600549 | 125 | SW |
| EAGLE WATER COMPANY | SD4602307 | 48 | SW |
| GOLDEN HILLS SUBDIVISION | SD4602284 | 30 | GW |
How Lead compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Lead's score of 75.6/100 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 Lead, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lead's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Lead, SD tap water safe to drink?
Lead's water quality earned a grade of B (75.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #112 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Lead's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 261 violations are on record.
How is Lead'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 Lead?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lead's water come from?
Lead's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 3,763 residents.
What health violations has Lead's water system had?
Lead has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lead's water compare to other cities?
Lead ranks #112 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 21% of state cities) and #9530 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.