C45/100
Pine Ridge Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 21,439 residents · South Dakota
What's In Pine Ridge's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 30, 2023 – October 18, 2023Rule: Ground Water 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
WANBLEE EAST
Population Served
2,179
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
084690021
WHITE HORSE CREEK WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,690
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
084690022
KYLE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
6,526
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
084690474
PINE RIDGE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
7,482
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
084690475
OGLALA RWS PIPELINE
Population Served
3,562
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
084690480
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Ridge Water
Is Pine Ridge tap water safe to drink?
Pine Ridge, South Dakota tap water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 204 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Pine Ridge's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Pine Ridge'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 Pine Ridge have any water quality violations?
Yes, Pine Ridge has 204 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 51 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Pine Ridge?
Pine Ridge 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 Pine Ridge's tap water come from?
Pine Ridge's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by WANBLEE EAST and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 21,439 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Pine Ridge'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. Pine Ridge'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 Pine Ridge's water compare to other cities in South Dakota?
Pine Ridge's water quality score of 45/100 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 Pine Ridge's water quality?
If you have concerns about Pine Ridge'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 (WANBLEE EAST) 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.