Is White River, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com White River, SD — Water Quality Report
White River'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 533 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 27 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about White River's water
White River ranks #56 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.14 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, White River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White River, SD water safe to drink?
White River'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 533 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for White River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White River's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4463). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for White River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
White River's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mellette County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 White River, Little White River Below White River,Sd.
Where does White River's water come from?
White River's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 533 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include White River (river), Little White River Below White River,Sd (river).
What White River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White River'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.
White River'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 droughtMellette 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
Mellette County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 White River compares by contaminant
Explore where White River ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White River's water comes from
White River'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 533 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near White River
White River is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving White River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITE RIVER | SD4600367 | 533 | SWP |
How White River compares
Full South Dakota rankings →White River'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.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mellette
Frequently asked questions
Is White River, SD tap water safe to drink?
White River'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 #56 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in White River's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is White River'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 White River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White River's water come from?
White River's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 533 residents.
What health violations has White River's water system had?
White River has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does White River's water compare to other cities?
White River ranks #56 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 60% of state cities) and #3969 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 White River's small water system affect quality?
White River's system serves approximately 533 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 27 violations on record.