Tap water and drinking water quality in Sioux Falls, SD

WATER QUALITY REPORT

Sioux Falls, SD tap water: what’s in it in 2026

Q: Is Sioux Falls tap water safe to drink in 2026?

Sioux Falls earns Water Safety Grade A- (80/88) on WaterCheckup - Nitrates Flagged. EPA compliance does not mean contaminant-free; sensitive households should still consider NSF-certified filtration.

Q: Does Sioux Falls water have PFAS?

EPA UCMR5 monitoring for Sioux Falls (PWSID SD4680046) is on this page. Check the table below for the latest UCMR5 snapshot. Only reverse osmosis (NSF 58) or NSF P473-certified filters reliably remove PFAS; standard pitchers do not.

Q: Does Sioux Falls water have lead?

Lead usually comes from service lines and building plumbing in Sioux Falls, not the treatment plant. Pre-1986 homes are highest risk. NSF 53-certified pitchers or reverse osmosis remove lead at the tap.

Q: What water filter is best for Sioux Falls?

For Sioux Falls's profile (Nitrates Flagged), reverse osmosis covers PFAS, lead, and disinfection byproducts. Renters can use a countertop RO; homeowners often choose under-sink NSF 58 systems ranked on this page.

Reviewed by Joe Letorney, 30-year water treatment expert · Former WQA Certified Water Treatment Specialist (CWS), Level VI

See best water filters for lead removal and what filters remove PFAS.

Serving 195K residents via Sioux Falls Water Purification Plant · Sioux Falls, SD drinking water is supplied by Sioux Falls Water Purification Plant. EPA and public water system monitoring commonly focus on issues such as Agricultural nitrates, Atrazine, Disinfection byproducts. Across the distribution grid, transmission mains, booster stations, and seasonal source shifts can change disinfectant residuals and disinfection byproduct levels before water reaches older service lines. Cross-check this system picture with your ZIP-level SDWIS and UCMR view so you see the latest detections and violations tied to your address.

Check water hardness in Sioux Falls →

Agricultural nitratesAtrazineDisinfection byproducts

80/ 88

WATERCHECKUP SAFETY SCORE

Grade: A-

Good

WaterCheckup Safety Score — an independent index from EPA public data and our formula. Not your utility’s official water quality rating, an EPA compliance grade, or a test of water at your tap. How we score →

Same score for your ZIP — look up your ZIP for the full contaminant report

✅

GENERALLY OK

Based on water safety score

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SIOUX FALLS WATER

Sioux Falls water currently shows no major violations in EPA monitoring data. That said, your home's internal plumbing can add lead or other contaminants after water leaves the treatment plant — especially in homes built before 1986.

⚠Agricultural nitrates

⚠Atrazine

⚠Disinfection byproducts

Public water systems in South Dakota

1,691

EPA PWSID (this report)

SD4600294

TTHMs (utility avg.)

31.8 ppb

HAA5 (utility avg.)

10.2 ppb

Browse South Dakota utilities →

LEGAL DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN SAFE

Sioux Fallswater may meet federal EPA limits while still showing contaminants above independent health guidelines (EWG, state advisories). EPA MCLs are often set on treatment feasibility — not a "zero risk" threshold. Compare levels below to health guidelines and state/U.S. utility averages, then see which filter technologies address your profile.

CONTAMINANTS IN SIOUX FALLS WATER

EPA UCMR5 PFAS plus utility/EWG averages from our contaminant bundle. Run a ZIP report for live SDWIS samples at your address.

Chlorate

154 ppbLower concern

This utility

154

U.S. avg

161

Can impair thyroid function — most concerning during pregnancy and childhood.

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Lithium

57.7 ppbLower concern

This utility

57.7

U.S. avg

23.4

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 23.44 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

31.8 ppb (EPA limit 80 ppb)212× health guidelineLower concern

This utility

31.8

U.S. avg

31.0

EWG health guideline: 0.15 ppb

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 30.97 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9)

24.6 ppbLower concern

This utility

24.6

U.S. avg

23.6

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 23.64 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

10.2 ppb (EPA limit 60 ppb)170× health guidelineLower concern

This utility

10.2

U.S. avg

21.6

EWG health guideline: 0.06 ppb (HAA5)

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 21.57 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Barium

10 ppbLower concern

This utility

10.0

U.S. avg

43.5

EWG health guideline: 700 ppb

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 43.45 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon · Ion exchange

Molybdenum

6.58 ppbLower concern

This utility

6.58

U.S. avg

2.35

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 2.35 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Arsenic

2.5 ppb (EPA limit 10 ppb)625× health guidelineLower concern

This utility

2.50

U.S. avg

1.52

EWG health guideline: 0.004 ppb

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 1.52 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Vanadium

1.33 ppbLower concern

This utility

1.33

U.S. avg

2.40

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 2.40 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Fluoride

0.62 ppm (EPA limit 4 ppm)Lower concern

This utility

0.62

U.S. avg

0.49

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 0.49 ppm

Removes with: RO · Ion exchange

Nitrate

0.48 ppm (EPA limit 10 ppm)3.4× health guidelineLower concern

This utility

0.48

U.S. avg

1.10

EWG health guideline: 0.14 ppm

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 1.10 ppm

Removes with: RO

Strontium

0.28 ppbLower concern

This utility

0.28

U.S. avg

0.60

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 0.60 ppb

Removes with: RO · Carbon

Chromium-6

0.19 ppb9.5× health guidelineLower concern

This utility

0.19

U.S. avg

0.54

EWG health guideline: 0.02 ppb (chromium-6)

EWG Tap Water Atlas utility average (2021–2023) · U.S. utility avg (EWG Atlas sample): 0.54 ppb

Removes with: RO

Manganese

0.05 ppbLower concern

This utility

0.05

U.S. avg

5.69

EWG health guideline: 100 ppb

Long-term exposure at high levels may affect the nervous system. Staining and taste issues at lower levels.

Removes with: RO · Carbon

U.S. and state averages from EWG Tap Water Atlas utilities in our database. For your exact tap, use a ZIP report — home plumbing can differ from utility averages.

Sioux Falls draws from the Big Sioux River and local aquifers -- both receive agricultural runoff.

South Dakota agricultural intensity puts nitrate and atrazine contamination at the top of water concerns.

Sioux Falls water has logged DBP violations in prior EPA reporting cycles.

Certified RO handles nitrates, atrazine, and DBPs -- recommended for Sioux Falls residents.

PFAS TESTING DATA — EPA UCMR5

Testing period 2023–2025 · Last updated Q1 2026

✅

NO PFAS DETECTED

All 29 PFAS compounds tested below detection limits

Water Hardness (from UCMR5): 70.9 mg/L as CaCO₃ — Relatively soft

Source: EPA UCMR5 national monitoring dataset · Testing period 2023–2025 · MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (legally enforceable limit) · Health limit = EPA health advisory threshold

🔔 Get alerts if Sioux Falls's water data changes:

WHICH FILTER TECHNOLOGY WORKS FOR SIOUX FALLS?

Reference matrix — not specific brands. NSF-certified carbon blocks, reverse osmosis (NSF 58), and ion-exchange softeners address different contaminants. Product picks below match this profile.

Contaminant

Carbon

Ion exch.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

✓

—

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

✓

—

Arsenic

✓

—

Nitrate

—

✓

—

Chromium-6

—

✓

—

TEST YOUR TAP OR FILTER NOW?

Sioux Fallsutility data is a strong baseline — but lead often comes from your home's pipes, and PFAS can vary by neighborhood. Choose certified lab testing for certainty, or skip straight to NSF-certified filters matched to this profile.

STEP 1 · VERIFY AT YOUR FAUCET

Test before you buy a $300+ filter

SimpleLab Tap Score mail-in panels test PFAS, lead, nitrates, bacteria, and 100+ contaminants at your kitchen tap. Results in about a week — then pick filtration with real numbers, not guesses.

Tap Score City Test — from $89 →

Accredited labs · Best if you have old plumbing, pregnancy, or want proof before installing RO

STEP 2 · FIX IT NOW

Ready to filter based on this report?

Get NSF 58 / NSF 53 picks matched to Sioux Falls's PFAS, lead, and disinfection byproduct profile — reviewed by a 30-year water treatment expert.

Take the 3-question filter quiz →

Best when contaminants are already flagged above and you want the right RO or pitcher today

Clean water splash — certified water filter recommendations

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Based on Sioux Falls's water profile above, here's the exact system we recommend — and why it's right for this water supply specifically.

TOP PICKS FOR SIOUX FALLS

⚠ Contaminants detected in local water

Aquasana SmartFlow RO

MOST CERTIFIED

Aquasana · ~$449

WQA Gold Seal + NSF 42/53/58/401. Most certifications of any under-sink RO. Removes 90+ contaminants.

WHY THIS FOR SIOUX FALLS · Chosen for Sioux Falls because elevated disinfection byproducts (THMs/HAAs) are the primary documented concern — RO removes them more completely than carbon filtration alone.

Amazon →

AquaTru Under-Sink RO

EASIEST FILTER CHANGE

AquaTru · ~$375

NSF 42/53/58 certified. Quick-change filters, no tools. Compact tankless design, 4-stage filtration.

Amazon →

Not sure which filter is right for you? Take the 3-question quiz →

WATER SYSTEM -- EPA SDWIS

System Name

Sioux Falls Water Purification Plant

EPA PWSID

SD4600294

Population Served

195K

State

COMMON QUESTIONS

Is Sioux Falls tap water safe to drink in 2026?

Sioux Falls water meets EPA legal standards, but meeting legal standards is not the same as being free of health concerns. EPA limits are set based on treatment feasibility, not always on what independent scientists consider safe. The main concerns for Sioux Falls residents are agricultural nitrates and atrazine. Enter your ZIP above to see the full violation history for your specific water system.

Does Sioux Falls water have PFAS?

EPA UCMR5 monitoring data for Sioux Falls (water system SD4680046) is shown above. PFAS — sometimes called "forever chemicals" — are synthetic compounds that don't break down in the body. Only reverse osmosis systems or NSF 58-certified carbon block filters reliably remove PFAS from tap water. Standard pitcher filters do not remove PFAS.

Does Sioux Falls water have lead?

Lead in tap water almost always comes from the pipes inside your home or building, not the treatment plant. Homes built before 1986 in Sioux Falls are most at risk because they may have lead solder, brass fittings, or lead service lines. The EPA has no safe level for lead in children. An NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system removes lead at the tap.

What water filter is best for Sioux Falls?

For Sioux Falls's water profile — agricultural nitrates, atrazine — a reverse osmosis system addresses the widest range of contaminants. Under-sink RO (Waterdrop G3P600, Aquasana SmartFlow) is the gold standard for homeowners. Renters can use a countertop RO like the Waterdrop K19-S Countertop RO — zero installation required. Clearly Filtered pitchers are the best non-RO option for PFAS and lead.

How do I get my Sioux Falls water tested?

For the most accurate results for your specific tap, use a certified mail-in lab test rather than relying on city-wide data. SimpleLab Tap Score tests for 100+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, and nitrates. Results come with a detailed health assessment and filter recommendations. City-wide EPA data like what you see above is a strong baseline, but your home's plumbing can add contaminants after the water leaves the treatment plant.

LEAD SERVICE LINE RISK

Does your street have lead pipes?

As of October 2024, all US public water systems must publish a public inventory of their lead service lines — the pipes connecting the water main to your home. Even if your public water system water tests clean at the treatment plant, lead can leach from these pipes into your tap. Homes built before 1986 are most at risk.

EPA Official Service Line Inventory →

Federal LCRR inventory data for Sioux Falls Water Purification Plant · PWSID SD4680046

💡 Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder or service lines. A filter certified NSF/ANSI 53 removes lead at the tap regardless of pipe material.

STAY INFORMED

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Check your specific address

City-wide data is just the start. Enter your ZIP to see your exact water system's EPA report, PFAS levels, and violation history — then get the right filter for your home.

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