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LCRR utility compliance status in South Dakota

How are South Dakota water utilities doing on EPA LCRR compliance?

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
715
Known lead
0
Unknown
0
BIL funding
$0M

Lead Service Line Compliance in South Dakota Water Systems

How compliant are South Dakota's water utilities with EPA lead rules?

As of October 2024, South Dakota's water utilities have submitted their lead service line (LSL) inventories under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The state has 715 public water systems serving roughly 917,349 people.

South Dakota's reported data shows zero confirmed lead service lines and zero unknown lines across all utilities. This is unusually low compared to national patterns, where most states report a mix of confirmed lines, unknowns, and gaps in records.

A few things to understand about this:

  • Zero known lines does not mean zero risk. Many water systems, especially smaller ones, have incomplete historical records. Lines may exist but remain undocumented.
  • Unknown lines matter. The LCRR requires utilities to actively search their records and, in some cases, conduct field investigation. A utility reporting zero unknowns should have completed that search.
  • Utilities are responsible for accuracy. Each water system must certify the accuracy of its inventory to the state primacy agency. If a utility's records are incomplete, that's a compliance gap.

What does this mean for South Dakota residents?

If you live in South Dakota, your water utility is required to have a complete LSL inventory on file. You can contact your local utility directly to ask:

  • Whether your service line is known to be lead, copper, or plastic
  • What year your line was installed (pre-1986 lines are higher risk)
  • Whether the utility has proof of the material in your home's records

The state's Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources oversees drinking water primacy. If you have concerns about inventory accuracy or suspect incomplete records, you can report it to that agency.

No federal funding reported

South Dakota utilities reported $0 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding as of October 2024. This does not necessarily mean no work is planned—some utilities may be using state funds, local bonds, or other sources. Check with your water system for their replacement timeline.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask for your service line material and installation date.
  • Request a copy of the utility's LSL inventory report if available.
  • If you have a lead line, ask about replacement costs, income-based assistance, or timelines.
  • Report concerns to South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources if you believe your utility's inventory is incomplete.

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Common questions

Does South Dakota have lead in water pipes?

Lead service lines exist in some older US water systems, but South Dakota utilities reported zero confirmed lead lines as of October 2024. However, this does not guarantee zero lead risk—many older records are incomplete. Contact your water utility to confirm your service line material.

How do I know if my home has a lead service line in South Dakota?

Call your local water utility and ask about your service line material and installation year. Lines installed before 1986 are more likely to be lead. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home.

Is South Dakota replacing lead water pipes?

South Dakota utilities reported no Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) federal funding as of October 2024, but that does not mean no replacements are planned. Contact your utility to ask about their replacement schedule and whether you qualify for cost assistance.

Who regulates water safety in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources oversees drinking water safety and lead service line inventories. You can contact them if you have concerns about your utility's compliance or records.