D25/100
Black Hawk Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,500 residents · South Dakota
What's In Black Hawk's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT
Population Served
4,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
SD4600043
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Hawk Water
Is Black Hawk tap water safe to drink?
Black Hawk, South Dakota tap water receives a grade of D (25/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 56 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Black Hawk's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Black Hawk's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Black Hawk have any water quality violations?
Yes, Black Hawk has 56 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include TT, MR, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Black Hawk?
Black Hawk water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Black Hawk's tap water come from?
Black Hawk's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 4,500 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Black Hawk'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. Black Hawk'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 Black Hawk's water compare to other cities in South Dakota?
Black Hawk's water quality score of 25/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our South Dakota state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Black Hawk's water quality?
If you have concerns about Black Hawk'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 (BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT) 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.