Is Oral, 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 ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Oral, SD — Water Quality Report
Oral'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 1,057 residents using groundwater.
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 64 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oral's water
Oral ranks #48 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oral 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, Oral may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oral, SD water safe to drink?
Oral'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 1,057 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oral
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oral's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, 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 Oral's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oral's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fall River County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Beaver Creek.
Where does Oral's water come from?
Oral's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,057 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Beaver Creek (river).
What Oral residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oral'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.
Oral'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 droughtFall River 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
Fall River County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Oral compares by contaminant
Explore where Oral ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oral's water comes from
Oral'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 1,057 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oral
Oral is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oral
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL RIVER WUD | SD4602201 | 1,057 | GW |
How Oral compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Oral'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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oral's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fall River
Frequently asked questions
Is Oral, SD tap water safe to drink?
Oral'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 #48 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Oral's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 64 violations are on record.
How is Oral'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 Oral?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oral's water come from?
Oral's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,057 residents.
What health violations has Oral's water system had?
Oral has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oral's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oral 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 64 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 Oral's water compare to other cities?
Oral ranks #48 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 66% of state cities) and #3366 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 Oral's small water system affect quality?
Oral's system serves approximately 1,057 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 64 violations on record.