Is Whitewood, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.1/100
waterverge.com Whitewood, SD — Water Quality Report
Whitewood's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,231 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 164 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitewood's water
Whitewood ranks #82 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Whitewood 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, Whitewood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitewood, SD water safe to drink?
Whitewood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,231 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whitewood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitewood's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3234). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1173). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitewood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitewood's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Whitetail Creek, Whitewood Creek, Whitewood Creek Above Whitewood,Sd, Bear Butte Creek, Vanocker Creek.
Where does Whitewood's water come from?
Whitewood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,231 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Whitetail Creek (river), Whitewood Creek (river), Whitewood Creek Above Whitewood,Sd (river), Bear Butte Creek (river), Vanocker Creek (river).
What Whitewood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitewood'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.
Whitewood'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 Whitewood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitewood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HILLS PRODUCTS GROUP WHITEWOOD, SD57793 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
WHEELER LUMBER L.L.C. WHITEWOOD, SD57793 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Whitewood
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GILT EDGE MINE9.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLawrence 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
Lawrence County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Whitewood compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitewood ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitewood's water comes from
Whitewood'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 1,231 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Whitewood
Whitewood is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Whitewood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITEWOOD | SD4600368 | 879 | GW |
| LANTERN ESTATES | SD4600315 | 192 | GW |
| WHITEWOOD FOREST ACRES | SD4602354 | 160 | GWP |
How Whitewood compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Whitewood's score of 84.1/100 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 Whitewood, SD
Wikipedia →Whitewood is a city in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 879 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitewood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitewood, SD tap water safe to drink?
Whitewood's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Whitewood's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is Whitewood'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 Whitewood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitewood's water come from?
Whitewood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,231 residents.
Is Whitewood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whitewood 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 164 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 Whitewood's water compare to other cities?
Whitewood ranks #82 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 42% of state cities) and #6097 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.