Is New Underwood, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.7/100
waterverge.com New Underwood, SD — Water Quality Report
New Underwood's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,143 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 163 violations on record, including 63 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Underwood's water
New Underwood ranks #121 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
New Underwood 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, New Underwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Underwood, SD water safe to drink?
New Underwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,143 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Underwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Underwood's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.7/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Underwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Underwood's water system has 163 total violations on record, including 63 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 5 violations were 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.
Where does New Underwood's water come from?
New Underwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,143 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What New Underwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Underwood'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.
New Underwood'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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Underwood compares by contaminant
Explore where New Underwood ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Underwood's water comes from
New Underwood'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 1,143 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving New Underwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW UNDERWOOD | SD4600224 | 679 | GW |
| VIEWFIELD RURAL WATER SYSTEM | SD4602287 | 220 | GW |
| OAKS WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | SD4602135 | 180 | GW |
| COPPER OAKS I | SD4602136 | 64 | GWP |
How New Underwood compares
Full South Dakota rankings →New Underwood's score of 68.7/100 is on par with the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About New Underwood, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Underwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pennington
Frequently asked questions
Is New Underwood, SD tap water safe to drink?
New Underwood's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #121 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in New Underwood's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 163 violations are on record.
How is New Underwood'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 New Underwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Underwood's water come from?
New Underwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,143 residents.
What health violations has New Underwood's water system had?
New Underwood has 63 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Underwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Underwood 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 163 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 New Underwood's water compare to other cities?
New Underwood ranks #121 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 14% of state cities) and #11036 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.