PFAS Contamination

PFAS in South Dakota Drinking Water

Ranked by number of PFAS compounds detected · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Exceeds Limit

% Exceeds Limit

1.0 compounds

State Avg

▼ 19% vs national

vs National

117

Health Violations

Analysis

PFAS in South Dakota: what the data shows

South Dakota has 48 cities with PFAS monitoring data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program. PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in 42 of those cities (88%), with very few cities exceeding the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant levels of 4 ppt. The state average is better than the national average. 1 city exceeds the EPA MCL for at least one PFAS compound. PFAS are linked to cancer, immune system disruption, and developmental issues. The 2024 EPA rule requires water systems exceeding the MCL to notify customers and reduce levels by 2029. PFAS data comes from the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR 5), which required large water systems to test for 29 PFAS compounds between 2023–2025. Not all systems have completed testing — cities without data may still have PFAS present.

Comparison

Cities exceeding EPA MCL (4 ppt each)

South Dakota

1 of 48 cities

← ▼ 19% below national rate (better)

National avg

21%

1662 of 7853 cities

City Map

PFAS data across South Dakota

Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. PFAS-tested cities are shown; those exceeding the 4 ppt EPA MCL appear in red. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by pfas level in South Dakota

Highest PFAS levels (compounds)

All Cities

All South Dakota cities ranked by pfas level

#	City	Level	Exceeds?	Violations	Grade
1	Rapid City	3 compounds	Yes	349	F
2	Sioux Falls	2 compounds	No	30	C-
3	Aberdeen	2 compounds	No	197	F
4	Harrisburg	2 compounds	No	0	A
5	Murdo	2 compounds	No	2	A-
6	Watertown	1 compounds	No	2	A
7	Pierre	1 compounds	No	8	A-
8	Pine Ridge	1 compounds	No	138	F
9	Brookings	1 compounds	No	11	D
10	Mitchell	1 compounds	No	6	A-
11	Dell Rapids	1 compounds	No	2	A
12	Yankton	1 compounds	No	29	B-
13	Huron	1 compounds	No	9	C
14	Miller	1 compounds	No	34	C+
15	Box Elder	1 compounds	No	17	B-
16	Tabor	1 compounds	No	3	A-
17	Rosebud	1 compounds	No	18	F
18	Tabor	1 compounds	No	4	A-
19	Arlington	1 compounds	No	5	C
20	Vermillion	1 compounds	No	0	A
21	Brandon	1 compounds	No	0	A-
22	Ellsworth Afb	1 compounds	No	4	A
23	Milbank	1 compounds	No	0	B+
24	Beresford	1 compounds	No	19	B
25	Toronto	1 compounds	No	0	B+
26	Britton	1 compounds	No	37	C
27	Tea	1 compounds	No	1	A
28	Lake Andes	1 compounds	No	12	B
29	Egan	1 compounds	No	11	B+
30	Wakonda	1 compounds	No	4	B+
31	Toronto	1 compounds	No	0	A-
32	Madison	1 compounds	No	9	A+
33	Eagle Butte	1 compounds	No	18	B-
34	Beresford	1 compounds	No	7	B+
35	Parker	1 compounds	No	3	A-
36	Hot Springs	1 compounds	No	22	B-
37	Watertown	1 compounds	No	1	A
38	Mobridge	1 compounds	No	3	B+
39	Eagle Butte	1 compounds	No	15	A-
40	Philip	1 compounds	No	24	A
41	Mission	1 compounds	No	2	B+
42	Wall	1 compounds	No	7	A-
43	Spearfish	0 compounds	No	166	D
44	Black Hawk	0 compounds	No	350	D+
45	Sturgis	0 compounds	No	156	D+
46	Winner	0 compounds	No	4	A
47	Belle Fourche	0 compounds	No	7	B
48	Winner	0 compounds	No	1	A+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about pfas in South Dakota

Does South Dakota tap water contain PFAS?

PFAS were detected in 42 of 48 South Dakota cities tested under EPA's UCMR 5 program. 1 city exceeds the 2024 EPA MCL of 4 ppt for individual PFAS compounds.

How can I remove PFAS from my drinking water in South Dakota?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective at removing PFAS, typically removing 90%+ of compounds. High-quality activated carbon block filters (NSF 58-certified for RO, or NSF 53 for solid carbon) also provide significant reduction. Standard pitcher filters vary widely in PFAS removal.

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