Lead Service Lines in Aberdeen, South Dakota
What you need to know
Aberdeen serves about 28,000 people in northeastern South Dakota. Like many water systems across the US, Aberdeen may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to homes and buildings.
A lead service line (LSL) is a direct route for lead to enter your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the line is old and deteriorating. The EPA and CDC recommend testing your water if you're concerned about lead, particularly if your home was built before 1986.
Aberdeen's inventory status
Aberdeen has not yet completed a public inventory of its lead service lines. This means the utility either hasn't finished documenting which homes are served by lead pipes, or that data isn't yet available to the public. This does not mean there are no lead service lines in Aberdeen—it means the count is unknown.
Water systems across the country are required under the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) to complete and maintain lead service line inventories. South Dakota utilities have until 2028 to finish this work.
What this means for your home
If your home in Aberdeen was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. The only way to know for certain is to have it tested or to contact Aberdeen and ask about your property's line material.
In the meantime:
- Let water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if pipes have sat unused for several hours.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches lead faster.
- Consider a certified water filter rated for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if you want extra assurance while waiting for inventory or testing results.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Aberdeen to ask whether your property's service line has been tested or documented. They can tell you what they know about your specific address.
- Get your water tested through a certified lab (your utility can recommend one) if you want to know your current lead levels.
- Consult your pediatrician or the CDC if you have children under six or are pregnant—they can advise whether testing or temporary precautions make sense for your situation.
- Check back here as Aberdeen completes its inventory; we'll update this page when data becomes available.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my Aberdeen home has a lead service line?
Contact Aberdeen directly and ask about your property address. If they haven't completed their inventory yet, they may still have historical records. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home, or get a water test done through a certified lab.
Is lead in Aberdeen water a widespread problem?
We don't know yet—Aberdeen's full inventory isn't complete. But lead service lines exist in many older US cities, especially those built before the 1980s. Testing your water is the most reliable way to know your personal risk.
Can boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling actually concentrates lead because water evaporates but lead does not. A certified water filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 is more effective for removing lead.
When will Aberdeen finish its lead service line inventory?
South Dakota utilities have until 2028 to complete their inventories under EPA rules. Contact Aberdeen for their specific timeline.