Is Salem, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Salem, SD — Water Quality Report
Salem's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,325 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 35 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Salem's water
Salem ranks #38 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Salem 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, Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salem, SD water safe to drink?
Salem's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,325 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Salem's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
McCook 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.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,325 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Salem 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.
Salem'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
D2 — severe droughtMcCook 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
McCook 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 Salem'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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.410 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where Salem ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salem's water comes from
Salem'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 1,325 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALEM | SD4600288 | 1,325 | GW |
How Salem compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Salem's score of 90.5/100 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 →About Salem, SD
Wikipedia →Salem is the county seat of McCook County, South Dakota, United States. The city's population was 1,325 at the 2020 census. The current mayor is Shawn English.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mccook
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem, SD tap water safe to drink?
Salem's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Salem'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 Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,325 residents.
What health violations has Salem's water system had?
Salem has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Salem's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salem 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 35 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 Salem's water compare to other cities?
Salem ranks #38 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 73% of state cities) and #2202 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salem's small water system affect quality?
Salem's system serves approximately 1,325 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 35 violations on record.