Chamberlain, SD: High Radon Risk — 68/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Chamberlain, SD — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Chamberlain Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Chamberlain Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,450 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.37 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Chamberlain
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Chamberlain, SD's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Chamberlain, South Dakota (population ~3,237), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 17,323 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Chamberlain — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Chamberlain: C (68/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Chamberlain water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
All ZIP Codes in Chamberlain
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Chamberlain
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Chamberlain: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Chamberlain is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Chamberlain. The estimated $1,700–$3,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 19% above the South Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Chamberlain
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Chamberlain appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Chamberlain
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Chamberlain has accumulated 1 claim — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Chamberlain has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $142,021 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,450</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Chamberlain
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Chamberlain, SD