Is Viborg, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.7/100
waterverge.com Viborg, SD — Water Quality Report
Viborg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 814 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 20 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Viborg's water
Viborg ranks #96 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Viborg purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Viborg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Viborg, SD water safe to drink?
Viborg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 814 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Viborg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Viborg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Viborg'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
Viborg's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Turner 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 Viborg's water come from?
Viborg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 814 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Viborg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Viborg'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.
Viborg'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 droughtTurner 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
Turner 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Viborg'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 3.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.500 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Viborg compares by contaminant
Explore where Viborg ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Viborg's water comes from
Viborg purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Viborg's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 814 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Viborg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIBORG | SD4600343 | 814 | GWP |
How Viborg compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Viborg's score of 80.7/100 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 Viborg, SD
Wikipedia →Viborg is a city in Turner County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 814 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Viborg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Turner
Frequently asked questions
Is Viborg, SD tap water safe to drink?
Viborg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #96 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Viborg's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Viborg'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 Viborg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Viborg's water come from?
Viborg's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 814 residents.
What health violations has Viborg's water system had?
Viborg has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Viborg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Viborg 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 20 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 Viborg's water compare to other cities?
Viborg ranks #96 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 32% of state cities) and #7767 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Viborg's small water system affect quality?
Viborg's system serves approximately 814 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 20 violations on record.