Is Wessington Springs, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.1/100
waterverge.com Wessington Springs, SD — Water Quality Report
Wessington Springs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 895 residents using groundwater.
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 8 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wessington Springs's water
Wessington Springs ranks #87 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wessington Springs 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, Wessington Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wessington Springs, SD water safe to drink?
Wessington Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 895 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wessington Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wessington Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4186). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wessington Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wessington Springs's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jerauld County has experienced 9 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 Wessington Springs's water come from?
Wessington Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 895 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Wessington Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wessington Springs'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.
Wessington Springs'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 droughtJerauld 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
Jerauld County has experienced 9 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wessington Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Wessington Springs ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wessington Springs's water comes from
Wessington Springs'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 895 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wessington Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESSINGTON SPRINGS | SD4600362 | 895 | GW |
How Wessington Springs compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Wessington Springs's score of 83.1/100 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 Wessington Springs, SD
Wikipedia →Wessington Springs is a city and the county seat of Jerauld County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Wessington Springs had a population of 771.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wessington Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jerauld
Frequently asked questions
Is Wessington Springs, SD tap water safe to drink?
Wessington Springs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #87 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Wessington Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Wessington Springs'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 Wessington Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wessington Springs's water come from?
Wessington Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 895 residents.
What health violations has Wessington Springs's water system had?
Wessington Springs has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wessington Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wessington Springs 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 8 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 Wessington Springs's water compare to other cities?
Wessington Springs ranks #87 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 38% of state cities) and #6605 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wessington Springs's small water system affect quality?
Wessington Springs's system serves approximately 895 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 8 violations on record.