WATER QUALITY SD

Water Quality in Clear Lake, SD: No Violations — Grade C

Grade C · Score 56/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

Clear Lake's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Not one violation appears in SD's EPA file for Clear Lake — 1 monitored system, all clear.

Water Grade

Total Violations

Water Systems

ZIPs with Violations

ZIP Codes Monitored

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Clear Lake

Water quality varies across Clear Lake's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
57226	C	56	0	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Clear Lake, South Dakota receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 56 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Clear Lake. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.

What Grade C Means

A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Clear Lake's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Clear Lake water systems is 0.0080 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 80% of homes built before 1986, Clear Lake has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.

Radon Risk

Clear Lake is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Water Systems Serving Clear Lake

Clear Lake is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,218 people across 1 ZIP codes.

Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:

Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
Report results to the EPA and state regulators
Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
Take corrective action when violations occur

How to Check Your Water in Clear Lake

Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Clear Lake vs. Nearby South Dakota Cities

How Clear Lake's water quality compares to similar cities in South Dakota:

City	Grade	Systems	Population
Clear Lake	C	1	1,218
Brandt	D	1	1,218
Goodwin	D	1	1,218
Gregory	B	1	1,221

Common Questions About Clear Lake Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Clear Lake, South Dakota:

Is Clear Lake water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Clear Lake's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Clear Lake tap water? Clear Lake's water receives a grade of C (56/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

What is the best water filter for Clear Lake? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Clear Lake vs. South Dakota Average

Understanding how Clear Lake compares to the broader South Dakota average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.

To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Clear Lake.

ZIP Codes in Clear Lake

Clear Lake spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.

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
Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clear Lake tap water safe to drink?

Clear Lake's water receives a grade of C (56/100). Some areas have recorded violations — residents in affected ZIP codes may want to consider water testing.

What contaminants are found in Clear Lake water?

Clear Lake water systems have zero recorded violations. While this is excellent, the EPA recommends annual testing as contaminants can enter your water through home plumbing.

How many water violations does Clear Lake have?

Clear Lake has 0 total EPA violations across 1 water system. 0 of 1 ZIP codes have at least one violation.

How many water systems serve Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is served by 1 public water system supplying drinking water across 1 ZIP codes. Water quality can vary between systems — check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

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