Is Lennox, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.9/100
waterverge.com Lennox, SD — Water Quality Report
Lennox's drinking water received a grade of A (93.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,571 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 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lennox's water
Lennox ranks #8 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Lennox 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, Lennox may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lennox, SD water safe to drink?
Lennox's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,571 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lennox
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lennox's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lennox's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lennox's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Big Sioux River.
Where does Lennox's water come from?
Lennox's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,571 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Sioux River (river).
What Lennox 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.
Lennox'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 Lennox
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lennox, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING - CHANCELLOR CHANCELLOR, SD57015 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
WILSON TRAILER CO LENNOX, SD57039 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
HARVARD INTEGRATIONS TEA, SD57064 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLincoln 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
Lincoln County has experienced 8 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 Lennox compares by contaminant
Explore where Lennox ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lennox's water comes from
Lennox 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 Lennox'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 2,571 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lennox
Lennox is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lennox
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LENNOX | SD4600193 | 2,571 | GWP |
How Lennox compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Lennox's score of 93.9/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Lennox, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lennox's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Lennox, SD tap water safe to drink?
Lennox's water quality earned a grade of A (93.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #8 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Lennox's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Lennox'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 Lennox?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lennox's water come from?
Lennox's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,571 residents.
What health violations has Lennox's water system had?
Lennox has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Lennox's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lennox 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 9 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 Lennox's water compare to other cities?
Lennox ranks #8 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 94% of state cities) and #676 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lennox's small water system affect quality?
Lennox's system serves approximately 2,571 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 9 violations on record.