BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT serves approximately 4,500 people in South Dakota. The system draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead Service Lines: What We Know
As of now, this water system has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines (the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes). This means there's no official count of how many lead lines exist in the service area—either on the utility's side or on individual properties.
This is not unusual. Many smaller water systems across the US are still in the early stages of lead line identification. Federal rules require all systems to maintain an inventory, but the timeline for completion varies.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines are the most direct pathway for lead to enter drinking water. Even if your water system's treatment is good, old lead pipes can still leach small amounts of lead—especially if water is corrosive or sits in pipes overnight.
If your home was built before the 1980s, or you don't know the material of your service line, there's a reasonable chance it could contain lead or galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release metals).
What You Can Do Now
Contact your water utility directly. Call or email BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT and ask:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line on record
- Whether they have a timeline for completing their inventory
- What water testing or replacement programs they offer
Get your water tested. Even without a known lead line, a simple test costs $20–50 and takes days for results. Many labs can run it, or ask your water utility for referrals.
Check your home's age and records. If you have documents from when your service line was installed or replaced, that's the most reliable source.
Reduce risk in the meantime. Run water for 30 seconds in the morning before drinking or cooking; use cold water for cooking and drinking; and consider a point-of-use filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53).
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT to ask about lead service lines at your address
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility or local health department
- If you have a child under 6 or pregnant household members, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure
- Look into lead service line replacement programs or funding available in your area
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT have lead in the water?
The water system has not yet published a lead service line inventory, so there's no official count of lead pipes in the area. The best way to know your own home's risk is to contact the utility directly or get your water tested.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Call BLACK HAWK WATER USER DISTRICT and ask about your address. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft and grey, and a magnet won't stick to it.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
It depends on your water's chemistry and how long it sits in the pipe. The only way to know for sure is testing. Even if lead is present, steps like flushing the line and using filters can reduce exposure.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my drinking water?
Get your water tested, contact your utility about their inventory and replacement programs, and use cold water for drinking and cooking. If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about testing options.