Lead service lines in Pierre, SD
Pierre's four water systems serve about 14,931 people. Right now, none of these utilities have reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories.
That's good news—but it doesn't mean there's no lead in Pierre's water system. Here's why: water utilities across the country are still completing their lead service line inventories. South Dakota requires utilities to finish their surveys by 2024 and 2025 depending on system size. Pierre's main utility (serving 14,091 residents) and its smaller counterparts are still in that process.
What's a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main buried in the street. If your service line is lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe—especially if it sits still overnight or if your water is slightly acidic.
Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, though they can exist in any era. Galvanized steel pipes (which can also leach lead) were common before the late 1980s.
What Pierre residents should know
The absence of reported lead service lines doesn't guarantee your home is safe. Some Pierre properties may have lead or galvanized service lines that haven't been documented yet. If your home was built before the 1990s, there's a real possibility your service line contains lead.
Your best move is to contact your water utility directly and ask for your service line material. If they don't know, ask what testing or inspection options are available. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your service line or arrange sampling.
The City of Pierre's main utility (PWSID: SD4600242) is your first point of contact for most residents. Spring Creek Sanitary District, TMT Inc., and GFP–West Bend Recreation Area serve smaller pockets of the area.
If you're concerned about drinking water quality
Use a pitcher filter, point-of-use faucet filter, or point-of-entry whole-home system rated for lead. Flush your tap for 30 seconds to a few minutes before drinking or cooking if water has sat unused. For families with young children or pregnant women, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (see utility names and PWS IDs above) and ask what your service line is made of
- If they don't have records, request sampling or inspection options
- Get a water test through a certified lab if you're concerned about lead levels
- Visit the EPA's homeowner guide for lead in drinking water for more strategies