What is a normal blood lead level for kids?

The CDC considers 3.5 micrograms per deciliter a reference value for concern. However, no level of lead in blood is safe. If your child's test is above this, your pediatrician can explain the results and next steps.

Does South Dakota Medicaid cover lead screening?

Yes. Medicaid covers blood lead screening for enrolled children as part of well-child visits. Ask your pediatrician or Medicaid provider whether your child was tested at their last checkup.

How do I find out if my city's water has lead?

Contact your water utility directly and ask for their lead service line inventory. You can also have your home's water tested for lead — costs typically range from $15–$50 at a certified lab.

Who do I call in South Dakota if I'm worried about lead in my home?

Start with your pediatrician about blood lead testing, your water utility about water quality, and the South Dakota Department of Health if you need local lead remediation resources.

Childhood Blood Lead Levels in South Dakota

South Dakota's Department of Health tracks blood lead levels in children through its pediatric surveillance program. This data helps identify where children may have been exposed to lead — whether through drinking water, paint, soil, or other sources.

What the data shows

The CDC monitors blood lead levels in children across US counties. In South Dakota, public health officials use this information to identify communities where children have elevated blood lead levels (defined by the CDC as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher in blood). If your child has been screened and you're concerned about their results, talk with your pediatrician about what the numbers mean and whether further testing or home inspection is needed.

Who screens children for lead exposure

Medicaid covers blood lead screening for all enrolled children, usually as part of routine well-child visits. If your child is on Medicaid in South Dakota, ask your doctor whether a lead test was done at their last checkup. If your child is not on Medicaid and you're worried about lead exposure, you can request screening through your pediatrician — costs vary by practice and insurance.

Getting detailed data

South Dakota's Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (part of the Department of Health) manages lead surveillance and prevention efforts. You can contact them to:

Ask for county-level blood lead screening data for your area
Request information about lead testing programs in your community
Learn about lead hazard assessment resources

The state does not publicly post real-time pediatric blood lead numbers online. You'll need to reach out directly to get current data for your county or region.

About water and lead

South Dakota has 715 public water systems serving 917,349 people. Lead in drinking water comes from lead service lines (the pipes connecting the water main to homes) or lead solder in plumbing. Blood lead levels in children can reflect exposure from multiple sources, so a positive test doesn't automatically mean the water is the cause — but it's worth checking.

Next steps for residents

Ask your pediatrician whether your child has been screened for lead and what the results mean.
Contact the South Dakota Department of Health to request county-level or community-specific blood lead data.
Request a water test from your water utility if you're concerned about lead in your home's plumbing.
Talk to your doctor if you have health concerns related to lead exposure — they can advise on follow-up testing or remediation.

Childhood blood lead surveillance data in South Dakota