Lead Service Lines in Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish serves about 12,200 people with groundwater from local wells. Like many communities, the city is working to identify and replace lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes.
What we know about Spearfish's lead pipes
Right now, Spearfish has not yet completed a full inventory of its service lines. This means the utility is still in the process of locating and documenting which pipes contain lead. This is normal. Many water systems across the US are still building these inventories, which can take years depending on system size and available funding.
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires all water systems to create and maintain a service line inventory by October 2024 (with possible extensions). Spearfish is subject to these same rules, so the utility should have documentation on the status of its inventory work.
What you should do now
Contact Spearfish Water Department directly to ask:
- Whether your specific street or address has a known lead service line
- What the utility's current inventory progress is
- When replacement or testing programs might be available
- Whether the city offers any free or reduced-cost testing kits
Many water systems provide free water testing for lead at the tap—a useful first step if you're concerned.
Groundwater and lead risk
Spearfish draws from groundwater (wells), which typically has lower natural lead levels than surface water systems. However, lead risk in your home depends on your service line material and household plumbing, not just the source water. Even in systems with good water quality, old lead pipes can corrode and release lead into your tap water.
Funding for pipe replacement
The Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicates billions to lead service line replacement nationwide. If Spearfish receives this funding, it should publish details on how to apply or enroll in a replacement program. Check with the utility or your city's website for announcements.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Spearfish Water Department and ask for your service line material and current inventory status
- Request a free water test for lead if available through the utility
- Visit the South Dakota Department of Health and Human Services for state-level drinking water resources
- If you have young children, consult your pediatrician about lead exposure precautions while you gather more information
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Spearfish have lead in the water?
Spearfish draws from groundwater, which typically has low natural lead. However, lead can enter your water through old service line pipes or household plumbing. An inventory is underway to identify which lines contain lead. Contact the utility for your address's status.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Spearfish Water Department and provide your address. They should have or be building records of service line materials. You can also request a free water test for lead, which shows whether lead is present at your tap regardless of pipe type.
Will Spearfish replace lead pipes for free?
Replacement programs vary and depend on funding availability. Contact the utility to ask whether they offer free or cost-shared replacement programs, especially if federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds are allocated to Spearfish.
Is lead water safe for babies and kids?
No safe level of lead exists for children. If you suspect lead exposure, speak with your pediatrician and the CDC website for guidance. In the meantime, use bottled water for drinking and cooking for infants and young children.