Is Redfield, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Redfield, SD — Water Quality Report
Redfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,413 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Redfield's water
Redfield ranks #59 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Redfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Redfield, SD water safe to drink?
Redfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,413 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Redfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Redfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1984). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Redfield'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
Redfield's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Spink County has experienced 10 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 James River.
Where does Redfield's water come from?
Redfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,413 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include James River (river).
What Redfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Redfield'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Redfield'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 Redfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Redfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REDFIELD ENERGY LLC REDFIELD, SD57469 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Spink County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Redfield'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Redfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Redfield ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Redfield's water comes from
Redfield'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 2,413 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Redfield
Redfield 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 Redfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REDFIELD | SD4600277 | 2,214 | SWP |
| MELLETTE | SD4600204 | 199 | SWP |
How Redfield compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Redfield's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Redfield, SD
Wikipedia →Redfield is a city in and the county seat of Spink County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 2,214 at the 2020 census. The city was named for J. B. Redfield, a railroad official.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Redfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Spink
Frequently asked questions
Is Redfield, SD tap water safe to drink?
Redfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Redfield's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Redfield'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 Redfield?
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 Redfield's water come from?
Redfield's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,413 residents.
What health violations has Redfield's water system had?
Redfield has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Redfield's water compare to other cities?
Redfield ranks #59 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 58% of state cities) and #4072 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.