Water Quality in Gary, SD: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Gary'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
Looking at EPA compliance data for Gary, SD, the record shows 1 violation — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Gary
Water quality varies across Gary's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57237 | C | 65 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Gary, South Dakota receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Gary have accumulated 1 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 240 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Gary'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 Gary water systems is 0.0050 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 59% of homes built before 1986, Gary 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
Gary 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 Gary
Gary is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 240 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
The EPA has taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gary. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Gary
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
Contaminants Detected in Gary Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Gary's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gary. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-04-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-28 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-04-18.
Gary vs. Nearby South Dakota Cities
How Gary's water quality compares to similar cities in South Dakota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary | C | 1 | 1 | 240 |
| Claire City | D | 0 | 1 | 247 |
| New Effington | C | 0 | 1 | 247 |
| Marty | D | 0 | 1 | 230 |
Common Questions About Gary Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Gary, South Dakota:
Is Gary water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Gary's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Gary tap water? Gary's water receives a grade of C (65/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Gary? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Gary vs. South Dakota Average
Understanding how Gary 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 Gary.
ZIP Codes in Gary
Gary spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 57237. 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.