C58/100
Fort Pierre Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,115 residents · South Dakota
What's In Fort Pierre's Tap Water?
2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2011.
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
FORT PIERRE
Population Served
2,115
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SD4600130
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Pierre Water
Is Fort Pierre tap water safe to drink?
Fort Pierre, South Dakota tap water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 15 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Fort Pierre's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Fort Pierre'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 Fort Pierre have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fort Pierre has 15 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2011. Violation types include MR, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Fort Pierre?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Fort Pierre 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 Fort Pierre's tap water come from?
Fort Pierre's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by FORT PIERRE. The system serves approximately 2,115 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Fort Pierre'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. Fort Pierre'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 Fort Pierre's water compare to other cities in South Dakota?
Fort Pierre's water quality score of 58/100 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 Fort Pierre's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fort Pierre'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 (FORT PIERRE) 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.