C44/100
Aberdeen Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 48,739 residents · South Dakota
What's In Aberdeen's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
6
Health-Related
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: July 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: April 1, 2022 – April 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ABERDEEN
Population Served
27,989
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
SD4600020
WEB WATER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Population Served
20,750
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
SD4601089
Frequently Asked Questions About Aberdeen Water
Is Aberdeen tap water safe to drink?
Aberdeen, South Dakota tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 42 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Aberdeen's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Aberdeen's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Aberdeen have any water quality violations?
Yes, Aberdeen has 42 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, MR, MCL. 14 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Aberdeen?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Aberdeen is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Aberdeen's tap water come from?
Aberdeen's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ABERDEEN and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 48,739 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Aberdeen's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Aberdeen's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Aberdeen's water compare to other cities in South Dakota?
Aberdeen's water quality score of 44/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our South Dakota state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Aberdeen's water quality?
If you have concerns about Aberdeen's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ABERDEEN) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.