Is Wagner, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Wagner, SD — Water Quality Report
Wagner's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,554 residents using purchased 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 126 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wagner's water
Wagner ranks #134 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.
As a small community water system, Wagner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 52 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wagner, SD water safe to drink?
Wagner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,554 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wagner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wagner's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wagner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wagner's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 52 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Charles Mix 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 Wagner's water come from?
Wagner's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,554 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Wagner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wagner'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.
Wagner'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
D3 — extreme droughtCharles Mix 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
Charles Mix 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wagner compares by contaminant
Explore where Wagner ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wagner's water comes from
Wagner'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 2,554 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Wagner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAGNER | SD4600348 | 1,490 | SWP |
| MARTY WATER SYSTEM | 084690533 | 420 | SWP |
| LAKE ANDES TRIBAL HOUSING WATER SYSTEM | 084690534 | 264 | SWP |
| WAGNER SOUTH HOUSING WATER SYSTEM | 084690536 | 200 | SWP |
| WAGNER NORTH HOUSING WATER SYSTEM | 084690535 | 180 | SWP |
How Wagner compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Wagner's score of 49/100 is below the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →ZIP codes served by Wagner
The water systems serving Wagner cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Wagner, SD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wagner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charles Mix
Frequently asked questions
Is Wagner, SD tap water safe to drink?
Wagner's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #134 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Wagner's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.
How is Wagner'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 Wagner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wagner's water come from?
Wagner's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,554 residents.
What health violations has Wagner's water system had?
Wagner has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wagner's water compare to other cities?
Wagner ranks #134 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 5% of state cities) and #13338 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.