Is Webster, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Webster, SD — Water Quality Report
Webster's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,696 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 7 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Webster's water
Webster ranks #40 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, Webster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Webster, SD water safe to drink?
Webster's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,696 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Webster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Webster's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Webster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Webster's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Day 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 Webster's water come from?
Webster's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,696 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Webster 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.
Webster'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 Webster
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Webster, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAKOTA FIBERGLASS INC. WEBSTER, SD57274 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Day 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Webster compares by contaminant
Explore where Webster ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Webster's water comes from
Webster'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 1,696 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Webster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEBSTER | SD4600360 | 1,696 | SWP |
How Webster compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Webster's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Webster, SD
Wikipedia →Webster is a city in and the county seat of Day County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 1,728 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 1,666 in 2024.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Webster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Day
Frequently asked questions
Is Webster, SD tap water safe to drink?
Webster's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #40 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Webster's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Webster'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 Webster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Webster's water come from?
Webster's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,696 residents.
What health violations has Webster's water system had?
Webster has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Webster's water compare to other cities?
Webster ranks #40 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 72% of state cities) and #2366 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Webster's small water system affect quality?
Webster's system serves approximately 1,696 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 7 violations on record.