WaterVerge

Is Springfield, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: SD4600317
Overall Score
87.6 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#55 of 141 in South Dakota Top 25% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.6/100

Springfield, SD — Water Quality Report

Springfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,108 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 25 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Springfield's water

Springfield ranks #55 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.

As a small community water system, Springfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Springfield, SD water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Springfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,108 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

4
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Springfield

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Springfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Springfield's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Springfield's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

TTMCLOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Feb 2024 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Mar 2019 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Mar 2019 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jan 2017 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2016 TTHM Resolved

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 Missouri River At Niobrara, Nebr., Bazile Creek Near Niobrara, Nebr., Lewis And Clark Lake.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4807
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4440
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3234

Where does Springfield's water come from?

Springfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,108 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At Niobrara, Nebr. (river), Bazile Creek Near Niobrara, Nebr. (river), Lewis And Clark Lake (river).

What Springfield residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Springfield's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Springfield'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

25
Total violations
12
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Feb 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

25 Total
4 Active
12 Health-based
21 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
4
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Interim and Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Jun 2014 Active
Ground Water Rule
Other Violation 0
Feb 2010 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2024 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 2024
Mar 2019 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2019
Mar 2019 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2017
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2016
Apr 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2015
Jun 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jun 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2013
Apr 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jan 2012 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Apr 2011 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2011
Oct 2006 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2006
Jan 2001 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2000 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2000
Showing 20 of 25 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Bon 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.

11
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
11.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
11
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Aug 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4807
Jun 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4440
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3234
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING, SEVER WINTER STORMS,HEAVY RAINS HIGH WINDS
Flood FEMA #1173
May 1995
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1052
Jul 1984
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #717

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (2.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,108
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Springfield's water comes from

Surface Water

Springfield'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 2,108 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Springfield

Springfield is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Missouri River At Niobrara, Nebr.
river
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara, Nebr.
river
Lewis And Clark Lake
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Springfield

System Name PWSID Population Source
SPRINGFIELD SD4600317 2,108 SW
Regional Comparison

How Springfield compares

Full South Dakota rankings →

Springfield's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Springfield (this city)
87.6
Rapid City
38.7
Aberdeen
41.8
Pierre
87.3
South Dakota avg
66
City Profile

About Springfield, SD

Wikipedia →

Springfield is a city in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 1,914 at the 2020 census, and was estimated to be 1,913 in 2023.

Economic Profile
$55,139
Median Income
$121,167
Median Home Value
$822/mo
Median Rent
4.5%
Unemployment
Community
36.9
Median Age
830
People / sq mi
9%
College Educated
63.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Springfield, SD tap water safe to drink?

Springfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.

What contaminants are in Springfield's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.

How is Springfield'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 Springfield?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Springfield's water come from?

Springfield's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,108 residents.

What health violations has Springfield's water system had?

Springfield has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.

How does Springfield's water compare to other cities?

Springfield ranks #55 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 61% of state cities) and #3950 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Springfield's small water system affect quality?

Springfield's system serves approximately 2,108 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 25 violations on record.