Is Scotland, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.1/100
waterverge.com Scotland, SD — Water Quality Report
Scotland's drinking water received a grade of B (76.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 935 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 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 159 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scotland's water
Scotland ranks #109 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Scotland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scotland, SD water safe to drink?
Scotland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 935 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Scotland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scotland's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrite, Arsenic, Cadmium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Scotland'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
Scotland's water system has 159 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bon Homme County has experienced 6 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 James River.
Where does Scotland's water come from?
Scotland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 935 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 Scotland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scotland'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.
Scotland'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 Scotland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scotland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET RESEARCH CENTER INC. SCOTLAND, SD57059 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBon Homme 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
Bon Homme County has experienced 6 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 Scotland'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scotland compares by contaminant
Explore where Scotland ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scotland's water comes from
Scotland'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 935 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Scotland
Scotland 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 Scotland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOTLAND | SD4600290 | 785 | SWP |
| MAXWELL COLONY | SD4602023 | 150 | GW |
How Scotland compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Scotland's score of 76.1/100 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 Scotland, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scotland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bon Homme
Frequently asked questions
Is Scotland, SD tap water safe to drink?
Scotland's water quality earned a grade of B (76.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #109 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Scotland's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 159 violations are on record.
How is Scotland'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 Scotland?
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 Scotland's water come from?
Scotland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 935 residents.
What health violations has Scotland's water system had?
Scotland has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Scotland's water compare to other cities?
Scotland ranks #109 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 23% of state cities) and #9399 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.