Water Quality in Ellsworth Afb, SD: No Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 83/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Ellsworth Afb's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
When EPA compliance data is reviewed for Ellsworth Afb, SD, the result holds consistent: zero violations documented across 2 tracked water systems, with every health-based limit and monitoring requirement met through the full dataset available in SDWIS.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ellsworth Afb
Ellsworth Afb is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57706 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Ellsworth Afb.
Water Quality Overview
Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 83 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving Ellsworth Afb. 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 B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Ellsworth Afb's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ellsworth Afb water systems is 0.0010 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Ellsworth Afb is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Ellsworth Afb
Ellsworth Afb is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,009 people across 1 ZIP code.
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
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ellsworth Afb. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ellsworth Afb
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Ellsworth Afb:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ellsworth Afb. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-08-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-07-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-06-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-20.
Ellsworth Afb vs. Nearby South Dakota Cities
How Ellsworth Afb's water quality compares to similar cities in South Dakota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellsworth Afb | B | 0 | 2 | 3,009 |
| Redfield | C | 0 | 4 | 3,094 |
| Fort Pierre | C | 0 | 1 | 2,911 |
| Flandreau | C | 2 | 4 | 3,112 |
Common Questions About Ellsworth Afb Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota:
Is Ellsworth Afb water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ellsworth Afb's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ellsworth Afb tap water? Ellsworth Afb's water receives a grade of B (83/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Ellsworth Afb? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ellsworth Afb vs. South Dakota Average
Understanding how Ellsworth Afb 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 Ellsworth Afb.
ZIP Codes in Ellsworth Afb
Ellsworth Afb 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
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.