Is Sisseton, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.5/100
waterverge.com Sisseton, SD — Water Quality Report
Sisseton's drinking water received a grade of A (92.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,479 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sisseton's water
Sisseton ranks #18 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sisseton 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, Sisseton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sisseton, SD water safe to drink?
Sisseton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,479 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sisseton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sisseton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4718). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sisseton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sisseton's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Roberts County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Sisseton's water come from?
Sisseton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,479 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sisseton 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.
Sisseton'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 Sisseton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sisseton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WOODLAND CABINETRY INC SISSETON, SD57262 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Roberts County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sisseton compares by contaminant
Explore where Sisseton ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sisseton's water comes from
Sisseton'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 2,479 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sisseton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SISSETON | SD4600310 | 2,479 | GW |
How Sisseton compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Sisseton's score of 92.5/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Sisseton, SD
Wikipedia →Sisseton is a city in Roberts County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 2,479 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Roberts County. Sisseton is the home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Nicollet Tower, and is near the "Song to the Great Spirit" building on the Sisseton Wahpeton College campus. The city is named for the Sisseton division of the Sioux people. It also serves as an important part of the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sisseton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Roberts
Frequently asked questions
Is Sisseton, SD tap water safe to drink?
Sisseton's water quality earned a grade of A (92.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Sisseton's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Sisseton'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 Sisseton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sisseton's water come from?
Sisseton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,479 residents.
Is Sisseton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sisseton 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 6 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 Sisseton's water compare to other cities?
Sisseton ranks #18 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 87% of state cities) and #1213 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sisseton's small water system affect quality?
Sisseton's system serves approximately 2,479 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 6 violations on record.