Is Platte, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.2/100
waterverge.com Platte, SD — Water Quality Report
Platte's drinking water received a grade of B (79.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,256 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 12 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Platte's water
Platte ranks #103 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Platte may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Platte, SD water safe to drink?
Platte's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,256 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Platte
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Platte's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Platte's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Platte's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Charles Mix County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Platte Creek.
Where does Platte's water come from?
Platte's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,256 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Platte Creek (river).
What Platte 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Platte'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 Platte
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Platte, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAKOTA MFG CO INC PLATTE, SD57369 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCharles Mix 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
Charles Mix County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1984. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Platte's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 14.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Platte compares by contaminant
Explore where Platte ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Platte's water comes from
Platte'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 1,256 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Platte
Platte is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Platte
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLATTE | SD4600246 | 1,256 | SWP |
How Platte compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Platte's score of 79.2/100 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 Platte, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Platte's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charles Mix
Frequently asked questions
Is Platte, SD tap water safe to drink?
Platte's water quality earned a grade of B (79.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #103 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Platte's water?
Lead was measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Platte'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 Platte?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Platte's water come from?
Platte's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,256 residents.
What health violations has Platte's water system had?
Platte has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Platte's water compare to other cities?
Platte ranks #103 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 27% of state cities) and #8347 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Platte's small water system affect quality?
Platte's system serves approximately 1,256 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 12 violations on record.